ATS mechanically despun communications satellite antenna

The antenna system described is one of the experiments on NASAs ATS-III spin stabilized satellite that was launched on November 5, 1967. It was put into synchronous orbit shortly thereafter and has been operating satisfactorily since. Using a line source feed illuminating a parabolic cylindrical reflector, a linearly polarized gain over 17 dB is achieved. The antenna is positioned by means of a vernier type stepping motor-drive system that points the antenna beam towards earth within approximately
\pm0.7
degree in accordance with instructions received on the satellite from the ground control station. Prior to launch, the antenna system was subjected to extensive qualification testing. Confidence in a desired five-year life in orbit for the motor-drive system was obtained by testing the lubrication system and bearings for 7800 hours at temperatures ranging from
-80\deg
F to
+120\deg
F at vacuum pressures as low as
1 \times 10^{-8}
torr.