New Communication Systems. Project PANGLOSS. Task Order IV. Sub Task A. Moon/Planet Relays.
Abstract
A communications circuit using radio reflection from the moon, planets, or sun, to link two terrestrial points is investigated. Existing data on radio reflections from the moon indicate the phenomena involved, and provide some experimental comparison for calculations of signal return. Neglecting any limitations on range, the probability of finding at least one celestial body available for use as a reflector is worked out. Because of the incommensurate motions of the planets, the probability is slow in building up; for five possible reflectors, the probability that at least one is in a useful position is 97%. Range limitations indicate that only the moon and Venus are useful for real-time signal relaying, giving a best reliability of 57%. The sun is not useful for real-time relay communication due to absorption of incident signals, and noise radiation, by the solar atmosphere. The constraints on useful range imposed by the physics of the problem (distances, sky noise, doppler spreading of signals, surface reflectivity, solar atmosphere), and by the hardware (transmitter power, receiver noise, antenna size, integration time) are discussed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 15, 1959
- Accession Number
- ADA042496
Entities
Organizations
- RCA Corporation