THE HAYSTACK EXPERIMENTAL FACILITY
Abstract
A new ground station for space communications, radar and radio astronomy research has recently been completed at Tyngsboro, Massachusetts. This installation, which is named Haystack, employs a 120-foot-diameter fully steerable antenna enclosed in a metal space-frame radome. Advanced design and construction techniques have been developed to achieve a reflector with a very precise parabolic contour. The antenna will operate very efficiently at wavelengths of 3 cm and will also provide a useful capability at wavelengths as short as 8 mm. The antenna incorporates a 'plug-in' equipment room behind the reflector which makes it possible to conveniently utilize the antenna for a variety of both active and passive experiments. At the highest operating frequency, the half-power width of the antenna beam will be less than 0.02 degrees. To provide appropriate control for this very narrow antenna beam, a general purpose digital computer has been integrated into the facility. The RF configuration of the antenna is compatible with the use of high-power transmitters and cooled, low-noise receiving equipment. A versatile 1-Mw average power, high-voltage supply has been provided for energizing transmitting equipment. This new installation will provide a unique capability in the microwave portion of the spectrum for communications, radar and radio astronomy.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0608272
Entities
People
- H. G. Weiss
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology