THE HAYSTACK COMPUTER CONTROL SYSTEM

Abstract

The 120-foot-diameter Haystack antenna operates at X-band and is used for satellite communications, radio astronomy, and radar astronomy. Haystack will be used to study stars, planets, the sun, the moon, and earth satellites. In order to point the antenna to within 1/10 beamwidth (22 seconds of arc) and to provide flexible control and data processing for diverse users, a digital computer has been tightly integrated into the control system. The parameters of an experiment and computer control are arranged via simple operator discourse through a keyboard/printer. The computer system can simultaneously direct the antenna, process receiver signal data, drive convenient operator displays, and permit operator discourse. Thus, processed signal data may be observed in real time, and modifications to the experiment may be rapidly implemented. The computer control system has been completed and is in full operation.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 27, 1965
Accession Number
AD0631559

Entities

People

  • Arthur A. Mathiasen
  • Frank E. Heart
  • Paul D. Smith

Organizations

  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Acquisition
  • Air Force
  • Computations
  • Computer Programming
  • Computer Programs
  • Computers
  • Data Analysis
  • Data Processing
  • Detection
  • Digital Computers
  • Ephemerides
  • Language
  • Radar Astronomy
  • Radio Astronomy
  • Recording Systems
  • Signal Processing
  • Standards

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Computer Science.
  • Phased Array Antenna Design.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites