Global Positioning System Adaptation for Balloon Payloads
Abstract
A reliable method of using the GPS for tracking AFGL balloon payloads has been developed. The system uses the Collins-Rockwell Navcore I GPS receiver and data converter along with some custom designed signal conditioning electronics. The airborne package consists of a Navcore I receiver, a data converter and a proper signal conditioning to provide the modulation signal to an S-band telemetry transmitter. This transmitter is to be used for transmission of both the payload's telemetry data and GPS receiver's navigation solution. Two methods (PCM/FM and FM/FM) of transmitting the GPS data along with the telemetry data are presented. The ground station equipment consists of an S-band receiver, FM discriminator if required, signal conditioning electronics, and an IBM PC compatible computer. The computer provides real-time display and recording of the GPS receiver's position (latitude, longitude, and altitude). Other payload statuses provided are: GPS second of week, speed, heading, and vertical velocity. The recorded GPS data -- on the PC's hard disk -- is available for any necessary post-flight processing. Two formats of post-processed information are created, tabular and plotted. Tabular listings are created for flight review. Plots generated from the tabular listings by using a spreadsheet with graphic display routines can be inspected to determine if possible correlations exist between any two parameters.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 07, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA199997
Entities
People
- Randall D. Donahoo
Organizations
- Oklahoma State University–Stillwater