DSN Radio Astronomy
Work Element Detail Agreements
Last updated by Tom Kuiper on 1998 Oct 26
412-42101
Lead Radio Astronomer
Objectives
Provide technical leadership to the tasks which develop and support Radio
Astronomy research activities using the DSN, including VLBI radio astronomy.
Responsibilities and Approach
- Establish priorities for R&D development and sustaining engineering
in support of DSN Radio Astronomy
- Provide budgetary oversight for the Radio Astronomy tasks
- Provide technical guidance to prospective and current users of the DSN
for Radio Astronomy
- Be the Friend of the Telescope for the Goldstone Complex
- Coordinate and approve all changes in RAC software, and actively
develop RAC software in support of radio astronomy research.
Assumptions/Reserves/Uncertainties
The annual goals of the DSN Radio Astronomy tasks are adjusted as needed
to conform to the funding provided. There are no hard requirements or
deadlines, except those specifically negotiated and documented.
Other Pertinent Information
The DSN Radio Astronomy tasks and current resource allocation are:
| Account |
Title |
$K |
WY |
| 412-42101
|
Lead Radio Astronomer
|
161
|
0.8
|
| 412-42102
|
cm-Wave RF & Receivers
|
95
|
0.2
|
| 412-42103
|
mm-Wave Receivers
|
30
|
0.2
|
| 412-42104
|
EAC Software Architect
|
85
|
0.4
|
| 412-42105
|
HP Computer Systems
|
35
|
0.2
|
| 412-42037
|
CSP/WBSA Field Engineering
|
40
|
0.25
|
The Radio Astronomy Controller (RAC) is part of the R&D Control System
(RDC) and serves as the primary interface between investigators and the
R&D equipment.
Deliverables
Goals, plans, and other documentation as needed. Documentation will be
maintained on the DSN Radio Astronomy web site at
http://dsnra.jpl.nasa.gov/support.html.
412-42102
cm-Wave RF & Receivers
Objectives
Maintain and develop cm-wavelength R.F. electronics (LNAs, noise diodes, loads,
calibration tones), down-converters, I.F. distribution, and broadband detectors.
Responsibilities and Approach
- Provides guidance and support to the DSN Complexes for installing and
maintaining radio astronomy electronics.
- Develops electronic systems for radio astronomy as directed by the
DSN Lead Radio Astronomer.
- Manages procurement of electronic systems and components for DSN
Radio Astronomy.
Assumptions/Reserves/Uncertainties
Procurement plans are subject to available funding, and should always be
considered tentative until implemented, unless specific commitments have
been negoatiated and documented.
Complexes are assumed to maintain installed equipment to the best of their
ability. This task provides backup support for installed equipment.
Other Pertinent Information
Deliverables
Equipment and documentation are delivered to the Complexes on an ongoing
basis. Documentation will be WWW-based.
412-42103
mm-Wave Receivers
Objectives
Develop, test and demonstrate a 3 mm receiver for use in the DSN.
Responsibilities and Approach
- Develop and install a 3 mm receiver at DSS-13
- Measure the pointing and gain of DSS-13 at (approximately) 90 GHz.
- Demonstrate scientific observations at 3 mm.
Assumptions/Reserves/Uncertainties
This task is heavily leveraged and dependent on resources and personnel
not funded by this task. The schedule is therefore uncertain.
Other Pertinent Information
It is anticipated that this system will be a prototype for future DSN systems
supporting advanced Space VLBI missions with co-observations.
Future VLBI missions may, because of their high bandwidth requirements,
need receivers for downlinks near 75 GHz.
Deliverables
3-mm receiver installed and operating on DSS-13, with sufficient documentation
to allow the station to support observations. Documentation will be
WWW-based.
412-42104
EAC Software Architect
Objectives
Develop the Equipment Activity Controller to provide radio astronomy
experiments with a highly automated interface to DSN operational equipment
such as antennas and receivers.
Responsibilities and Approach
- Design the overall EAC architecture.
- Coordinate and approve all changes to the EAC software.
- Implement advanced EAC software features.
- Support the Net Services package and other software common to the
R&D Control System.
Assumptions/Reserves/Uncertainties
This is an 0.5 WY level-of-effort task. A prioritized list of goals is
maintained at http://dsnra.jpl.nasa.gov/devel/eac/to_do_list.html.
There are no deadlines unless they are specifically negotiated and
documented.
Other Pertinent Information
The R&D Control System (RDC) comprises all computers used to operate R&D
equipment, including the Radio Astronomy Controller (RAC), PCFS (PC Field
System VLBI recorder controller), and other controllers such as those
controlling spectrometers.
Deliverables
Software releases as needed, with supporting WWW-based documentation.
412-42105
HP Computer Systems
Objectives
Maintain the Hewlett Packard computers which provide the DSN Radio Astronomy
WWW site and the Radio Astronomy Controller software archive, and the Linux
computer which provides PPP/SLIP service for DSN radio astronomy.
Responsibilities and Approach
- Maintain the DSN R/A Web server dsnra, the RAC software
archive jansky, and the PPP/SLIP server priestley.
- Provide technical advice to the DSN Complexes for maintaining the
RACs.
Assumptions/Reserves/Uncertainties
Complexes will maintain their own RACs, including backups and repairs.
Complexes will maintain their own support contracts with HP
for software updates.
Other Pertinent Information
Deliverables
412-42037
CSP/WBSA Field Engineering
Objectives
Maintain the Wide Band Spectrum Analyzer (WBSA) and Channelized Spectrum
Processor (CSP).
Responsibilities and Approach
- Repair the WBSA and CSP as needed.
- Support software development for data acquisition as directed by the Lead
Radio Astronomer.
- Upgrade CSP capabilities as directed by the Lead Radio Astronomer.
Assumptions/Reserves/Uncertainties
This is a level-of-effort task. There are no firm deadlines.
Other Pertinent Information
The two main upgrade goals for the CSP are the capabilities to process
- Eight simultaneous 10-MHz channels
- Stokes parameter spectra
Deliverables
To be determined.