Students Partner with Laboratory Staff to Modernize LES-9 Satellite Communications
Abstract
As Laboratory staff enter the West Atrium, the morning light catches a familiar object suspended from the ceiling and illuminates it in its fullness of silver and gold. Draped in the original material used on its orbiting counterpart, a satellite model built by Minuteman Technical High School students and Laboratory staff hangs reminiscent of one of the Laboratorys first pioneering inventions, the Lincoln Experimental Satellite(LES) family. Launched on 14 March 1976, LES-9 is the last in a series of three axis stabilized satellites built by the Laboratory that are powered by a radioisotope thermoelectric generator (RTG). Continuing this legacy, Albert P. Richard, John R. Pineau, John J. Kangas, Warren K. Hutchinson, and Dr. Thomas C. Royster IV, Advanced Satcom Systems and Operations, Group 64, are transitioning the satellite to the digital age. Summer Research Program participants Jonathan Oakley, Clemson University, and Alan Dong, Georgia Institute of Technology, have collaborated with staff to develop the next chapter of the satellites life. Both students worked towards transitioning the satellites original analog communication devices to digital platforms using a software radio platform.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 29, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1033729
Entities
People
- Albert P. Richard
- John J. Kangas
- John R. Pineau
- Thomas Iv C. Royster
- Warren K. Hutchinson
Organizations
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology