The Alaska satellite facility ground station

Abstract

For over 20 years, a satellite ground station comprised of two S- and X-band antennas has been operated on behalf of NASA by the Alaska Satellite Facility (ASF) at the University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF) in Fairbanks, Alaska, USA. This ground station, while initially focused on downlink of synthetic aperture data, has developed into a full-service ground station, providing downlink, uplink, and coherent tracking services as a significant component of the NASA Near Earth Network (NEN). Supporting launch, early orbit, and routine on-orbit operations, the ASF demonstrates how a ground station can be operated in a University environment (to include a student intern position), while still maintaining the highest levels of operations for satellite project customers. Recent upgrades have focused on providing greater automation for operations, greater functionality for customers, and greater consistency with the other stations in the NEN. The addition of new monitor and control software and hardware has provided a new level of automation for the ground station as well as added functionality and commonality with other NEN NASA stations. Upgrades currently underway on the existing 11.28 meter antenna will increase the functionality in both S- and X-band. NASA is in the process of adding a third antenna that will provide an aperture for upcoming NASA missions, including those from the National Research Council's Decadal Survey Report. This paper will focus on recent and upcoming upgrades to the ASF ground station that will position it as both the predominant Universityoperated ground station in the world and the leading NASA ground station in Alaska. © 2012 by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc.