TM 1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63 1146 Augmented Satellite Control Facility System Description Apr63

TM-1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63 TM-1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63

User Manual: TM-1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63

Open the PDF directly: View PDF .
Page Count: 100

Download
Open PDF In Browser	View PDF

UNCLASSIFLED

AD 404 800
DEFENSE DOCUMENTATION CENTER
FOR

SCIENTIFIC AND IECHNICAL INFORMATION
CAMERON STATION. ALEXANDRIA. VIRGINIA

UNCLASSIFIED

NOTICE: When government or other drawings, specifications or other data are used for any purpose
other than in connection with a definitely related
government procurement operation, the U. S.
Government thereby incurs no responsibility, nor any
obligation whatsoever; and the fact that the Government may have formulated, furnished, or in any way
supplied the said drawings, specifications, or other
data is not to be regarded by implication or otherwise as in any manner licensing the holder or any
other person or corporation, or conveying any rights
or permission to manufacture, use or sell any
patented invention that may in any way be related
thereto.

TM-1146/000 00

Augmented Satellite Control Facility

System Description
I A

9;!
1q'

TM-11l6/ooo/oo

(TM Series)
DDCfAVAILABILITY NOTICE
Qualified requesters Tay obtain
copies of this report from DDC.

AF 19(628) -16kG8, Space
for Spaoe Syýtems DivLsion, AFSC.

this document was produced by SOC in performance of contract

Systems Division Progrwm,

Augmenited Satellite Control Fneility
System Description

SYSTEM
DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION
1 April 1963
Approved
R. D. Knight

2500 COLORADO AVE.
SANTA MONICA
CALIFORNIA

The views, conciusions or recommendations expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the official views or policies of agencies of the United States Cuvernment.
Permission to quote from this document orto reproduce it, wholly or in part, should
be obtained in advance from the System Development Corporation.
Although this document contains no classified information it has not been cleared for
open publication by the Department of Defense- Open publication, wholly or in pail, is
prohibited without the prior approval df the System Development Corporation-

1 April 1963

nl146/O00/oO

SJMARY
This description of the Augmented Satellite Control Facility (SCF) is
the equipment subsystems are
approached from two points of view: first,
described in terms of their capabilities, functions, and primary usages;
second, the principal activities performed by the SCF; i.e., telemetry,
tracking, commanding, and scheduling arŽ• explained in such a way that the
previously described equipments are tied together into systems, with
emphasis on the functional aspects of SCF operations.
The SCF is composed of a central control station called the Satellite Test
Center (STC) and six remote tracking stations, three of which have limited
Mhe STC is equipped to support six satellites simultaneously.
dual capability.
Its data processing subsystems are divided into two main functional groupings:
one, the "Bird Buffer complex," is vehicle oriented, and has eight CDC 160A
computers, each of which can be individually assigned to an active satellite
as a buffer; the other grouping is the off-line-computer complex, which uses
four CDC 1604 computers to do the main computational chores for the system.
To achieve flexibility of operation and rapid reconfiguration, computercontrolled switching units are used to interconnect the Bird Buffers with the
off-line computers on one side, and with the tracking stations on the other.
The three dual tracking stations are capable of supporting certain comEach tracking station has
binations of two satellites simultaneously.
three main equipment groupings:
1.

Antenna subsystems--these subsystems are in closest contact
with the orbiting vehicles and provide the communication
links between the vehicles and the ground.

Data Processing subsystem--tnis subsystem, which interfaces
with the STC via data link, is made up of two CDC 160A
The two computers,
computers and their peripheral equipment.
one for telemetry and one for tracking and commanding,
process data sent to and from the STC.

Telemetry, Tracking, and Command subsystems--these subsystems
transform telemetry, tracking, and commanding data from the
Antenna subsystems into a form suitable for the Data Processing
subsystem, and vice versa.

The above three equipment groupings are connected together by manual patchboards
to give tracking stattons a flexibility and reconfiguration capability approaching that of the STC.
The tracking, telemetry, and commanding functions are initiated by a prepass
This message
message, which is sent to the tracking station by the STC.

1 April 1963

UM-1I,46/000/00

contains the satellite acquisition data for the antennas, the telemetry

mode configuration, and the command data to be sent to the satellite. Upon
acquisition, tracking data are sent to the STC for orbit determination,
and selected telemetry data points are processed and sent to the STC in
real time.
Commands are initiated at the tracking station in accordance
with the instructions received from the STC, and a record of all commands
Commands may be initiated
sent to the satellite is returned to the STC.

from the STC in real time and telemetry mode changes may be made during a
pass.
The functions of the STC and the tracking stations are performed in accordance
with a master schedule. This schedule, prepared by a 1604 computer program
called SCHOPS, with inputs from the Multi-ops personnel, takes into account
the contact times of each active vehicle with each station, the priorities of
each vehicle, the system resources, and other pertinent information that.
These data are processed to predict conaffects the operating schedule.
flicting demands on system facilities. The conflicts are resolved by preset
priorities or by manual intervention, and a schedule is output detailing
Also part of the output is a schedule tape for
the usage of system resources.
driving the Switch Control Computer at the STC5, which causes switches to
connect and disconnect the various subsystems at the times dictated by the
Tracking station subsystems are connected and disconnected manually
schedule.
at the times specified by the schedule.

1 April 1963

T-lih6/ooo/Oo

FOREWORD
A need has been recognized for a single-document source that describes the
end products of the Augmentation Program in sufficient detail to be of
interest to all the diverse technical groups working on the program. Such
a treatise should be useful in presenting a more complete picture to those
workers who are necessarily engrossed in the minutiae of their daily tasks.
It should also be of value to those who have a need for a general understanding of the overall effort without becomming excessively involved in
the details of the program. This document attempts to fill this need.
In preparing this document, the author has borrowed heavily from many of
the sources listed in the bibliography. In many cases whole sections
were lifted intact, as were drawings and charts. The document therefore
reflects the efforts of many individuals.
The system described herein is the system that was planned as of shortly
before the publication date of this document. In a fast-moving program of
this type, changes are inevitable and the probability is high that this
document will have already become obsolete in some respects before reaching
the hands of the reader. It is not planned to keep this document current;
rather, it is believed that its purpose will have been achieved if it conveys
a general understanding of the Augmented SCF, its equipment functions, and
its philosophy of operation.

1 Apr1l 1963

Tm- 1146/ooo/oo

TABLE OF CONTENTS

St.umaaryF,,-

i
............

*...,....c

... eta.,....,oc.....o.,....,..*c..,

1.0

Introduction ....

2.0

........................
SCF Equipment ......................
..
STC Equipment .........................................
Bird Buffer Subsystems0............ * *..........
. ....
CDC 1604 ComputerSubsystems.........................
Communication Data Select & Cross Connect Unit
and Computer Select & Cross Connect Unit ..........
CDC 16OA Switch ControlComputer.................
Master Data ControlConsole.......................
CDC 1604 Computer
..................
.............
............
.....
.........
CDC 160A Computer ....
CDC 1615 Magnetic Tape Unit..........
..............

2.1
2.1.1
2.1.2
2.1.3
2.1.4
2.1.5
2.1.6
2, 2.7
2.1.8

..........................................

2. 1 .9
2.1,10

CDC 166 Line Printer ..................
CDC 3612 Line Printer ......

2.1.11
2.1.12

CDC 163 Magnetic Tape Unit........................
CDC 169 Awuiliary Memory Unit........................

2.1.13
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.1.1

2.2.1. 2
2.2.1.3

2.2.1.4
2.2.1-5

2.2.1.6
2.2.2

....
c

....

cct

.......

.cc

.........

FM/FM Ground Station ........

2.2.2.2

PCM Ground Station ..........

2.2.2.3
2.2.2.4

GP-1 Ground Station ........

c..*c.

......

ccoot*cc....o.

c............a.......cc

20
21
22
23
24
25
26
26

31
31

and Ocananding Subsystems ..........

2.2.2.1

27
28

Diac-On-Rod (DOR) Antenna .......cc.c.t.acc..
*.c..c..cc.
Tri-Helix Antenna .....................

Telemetry, Tracking,

26
26

CDC 161 Typewriter Unit ...........................
*cc
Tracking Station Equipment ...........................
Antenna Subsystems ...... cc.c..sccccccc.. . .....ccc.
Verlort Radar ..........
c...
c...c......c........
Prelort Radar .........
cc...
cc.c.c..
c......
...
Telemetry and Data (T&D) Antenna ........

TLM-18 TelemetryAntenna..

9
9

.....

32
32

32
34

34
35

400-me Receiving/Commanding Equipment................

2.2c3
2.2.3.1
2.2.3.2

Data Processing Subsystem ...............................
Tracking and Cormand Computer Subsystem (T&C) ........
Telemetry Computer Subsystem (TIM) ..................

39
40
42

2.2.3.3

Input/Output Buffer (IOB) ..................
o....c....

2.2.3.4
2.2.3:5
2.2.3.6

Telemetry Data Processor (TDP) .......................
Command Logic Equipment (CLE) ........................
Station Operator's Console (SOC) .....................

44
46

1 April 1963

TM-1146/O00/O0

TABLE OF CONTENS (Conttd)

2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2

Communication Equipment ..................................
Computer Communications Converter (CCC) ...............
Modulator and Demodulator Terminal Equipment (MODEM)..

60
60
61

2.3.3

IM-13 Cryptographic Machine ...........................

2.3.4

Automatic Resynchronizing Equipment (Auto-Resync).....

3.0

3. 1
3.2

3.3
3.4
4.0
4.1iGeneral
4.2
4.2.1
4.2.2
h.2.3

Tracking Functional Description .............................
General .................................................

64
64
64
65

Prepass Message ..........................................
Acquisition .............................................
Track History ...........................................
Telemetry Functional Description ............................
..................................................
STA Telemetry Processing Outputs .........................
Preflight Mode ........................................
Prepass Mode .........................................
Real Time Telemetry Processing Mode ...................

66
66
66

66
67
67

4.3

Telemetry Modules at the STC .............................

4.4
4.5
4.6

Data Flow at the Tracking Station ........................
Data Flow at the STC ....................................
Telemetry Operational Program (TLMOP) ....................

5.0
5.1
5.2

Commanding Functional Description ..........................
General ....
..........................................

71
71

73
.

5.3

Analog Commanding--Manual Mode..........................75
Analog Commanding--Computer Automatic Mode ...............

5.4

Digital Commanding--Manual Mode ..........................

5.5

Digital Commanding--Computer Automatic Mode..............

5.6

Stored-Program Commands .................................
Real-Time Commands ...........
......................
Command History .........................................

79
83

5.7
5.8
6.0

Scheduling Functional Description .........................

85
87

6.1

General .................................................

6.2

Input Processing Module ..................................
Conflict Prediction Module ...............................
Conflict Resolution Module ..............................

6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7'
6.8
6.9

Resources Allocation Module .............................
Launch Planning Module .................................

88
89
89

Output Processing Module .................................
Simulation and Data Reduction Module .....................

90
90
91

Control Module ...........................................

()

References .............................................................

1 April 1963

xm-li46/Ooo/oo

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS
Page

Figure

Locations of Augmented SCF Tracking Stations

STC Equipment Block Diagram

STC Control Area Layout

Typical Augmented Tracking Station Block Diagram

Augmented Tracking Stations Equipment Configurations

Station Operator's Console (SoC)

SOC--Antenna Controller Section

SOC--Command Controller Section

SOC--Shift Supervisor Section

Augmented SCF Telemetry Data Flow

Analog Pulse Modulation Scheme

Command Message Preparation--Inputs and Outputs

Transfer of Ctlimand Message from the 1604 to the
Bird Buffer

Transfer of Command Message frco Bird Buffer to
T&C Computer at Tracking Station

1 April 1963

1.0

-lJ46/000/00

INTRODUCTION

The Augmented Satellite Control Facility (SCF) will be a global network of
satellite tracking stations, controlled and coordinated from E central
location called the Satellite Test Center (STC),which is located at Sunnyvale,
California. There will be six remote tracking stations - five in the western
half of the northern hemisphere and one off the east coast of Africa. These

stations are:
1.

Thule Tracking Station (TTS).

New Hampshire Station (NHS).

Vandenberg Tracking Station (VTS).

h.waii Tracking Station (HTS).

Kodiak Tracking Station (KTS).

Indian Ocean Station (IOS).

The locations of these stations are shown in Figure 1.
The primary function of the Augmented SCF is to provide communication and
control for tests of space vehicles in the dense multiple-satellite environment
of the near future. The SCF will have the capability to:
(1) track orbiting
satellites, (2) command vehicle-attitude changes and control special payload
functions, (3) receive and process telemetered data, and (4) effect the recovery
of re-entry vehicles. The Augmented SCF will be based on the presently existing
SCF but will have an increased capability to support multiple, simultaneous
satellite operations through the use of new tracking, data processing, and
communications equipment.
This increased capability includes the ability to
support the following operational situations:
1.

Coincident support for certain limited combinations of two
different satellites having a simultaneous pass over VTS,
HTS, or NBS.

Six satellites being processed simultaneously at the STCo

Simultaneous launch countdown and single-satellite pass at VTS.

Only one vehicle recovered during a 24-hour period.

A five-minute-maximum interval from the time a tracking station
ceases to support one vehicle to the time it is ready to support
another vehicle (a design goal).

The Augmented SCF will be able to support the following satellite systems:
162, 2o6, 417, 461, 626, 698BK, and 823.

1 April 1963

8
Figure 1.

TM-inh6/ooo/oo.

Locations of SCF Tracking Stations

,SGREENLAND
KTS

.. '

.,K HTS

AFRICA

INSET

I Aycil 1963

2M0

SCF EQUIPMEVT

2.1

STC EQUIPMENT

TM-i146/0oo/oo

The STC exercises overall control and coordination of satellite tests and the
network facilities.
This centralization of control is expecially necessary
in a multiple -satellite environment to resolve conflicts and priorities, and
to insure optimum use of the SCF resources. The Augmented STC will have the
capability to control six satellites simultaneously.
Equipment in the STC is
designed around this maximum workload.
There are eight vehicle-oriented
Bird Buffer computers.
The two extra computers allow for a backup capability
and increased flexibility. There are four CDC 1604 off-line computers, which
handle the bulk of the computational work load. These two computer complexes-the vehicle-oriented Bird Buffers and the off-line 16 04's--are mated together
through a programmable switch, which is under the control of a CDC 160A computer;
the Bird Buffers are connected to the tracking stations through a similar
s4telh, controlled from the same source.
These switches make the system flexible
and amenable to rapid reconfiguration. Figure 2 is a block diagram of the STC
equipment inter-connections.
Although many of the control operations performed at the STC are automated,
there is still
a need for a large amount of human control and decision making.
The control area is laid out so as to facilitate the handling of up to the
maximum number (6) of simultaneous satellites. Figure 3 shows the layout and
same of the communication facilities and display equipment available to the
operators.
In the center of the control area is the main control room, in which
are located the Master Controller and the Test Controllers, and from which
tracking station operations are directed. On the second level, and overlooking
the main control room, is the Test Directors' control room, ihere program
personnel can monitor an actual satellite operation.
AdJacen- to the main control
room is the Multi-ops room, where Multi-ops personnel supervise the equipment
time sharing and scheduling necessitated by multiple satellite operations.
Also
adjacentto tte main controlroomis the Data Presentation room, where operators
prepare data for display to the Test Controllers in the control room.
Grouped
around the main control room are six operating complexes, one for each of the
six vehicles the system can control simultaneously.
Each complex has several
rooms where functions such as orbit planning, vehicle analysis, payload
analysis, and command generation are performed under the supervision of a Test
Controller.
Across the hall from the main control area are six rooms reserved
for the Test Directors, where they can do the necessary work of preparing for
satellite operations. Some monitoring facilities are also available in these
rooms to allow program personnel to follow operations during vehicle contact.
The principal communications systems available to the operators in the main
control area are closed-circuit television; pneumatic tubes for passing written
and graphic material; CDC 166 Buffered Line Printers in the Multi-ops, Data
Presentation, and Data Analysis rooms of the various program complexes; and
voice and teletype lines to the tracking stations.

1 April

1963

TM-1i46/O00/o0

The principal equipment subsystems at the STC are discussed in more detail
in Sections 2.1.1 through 2.1.13 below,
2.1.1
Bird Buffer Subsystem. The Bird Buffer subsystem acts as a
buffer between the tracking stations and the STC complex of test personnel
and the CDC 1604 off-line computers.
It operates iln two modes:
Non-RealTime and Real-Time.
The Real-Time mode is in effect when the tracking station
is in contact with a vehicle; at that time, commanaing, tracking, and telemetry
data are passed between the Bird Buffer, the tracking station, and the vehicle
in real time. The Non-Real-Time mode is entered when there is no vehicle contact; it is used to send prepass data to the tracking stations and to pass data
to and from the 1604 computers.
The Bird Buffer program is made up of seven modules, whose specific functions
are as follows:*
1.

Executive Control Module (SXCON)--SXCON determines the
operating sequence of the various programs, effects data
transfers, and transmits system outputs to the proper
equipment.

Command Module (SCOMD)--SCOMD has three primary functions:

Special verification of command transmission to the
tracking stations (explained in detail in Section 5.0).

Processing and printout of real-time command status
reports.

Postpass printout of command history.

Prepass Module (SPREP)--SPREP has four functions:
a.

It maintains an updated prepass tape with TLM processing
tables, command messages, antenna pointing data, scheduling
messages, and text.

Upon request, it sends the prepass data to the tracking
station, verifies the messages sent, and keeps an account
of all data received by the station.

When a change in

TLM mode is

requested, it

reads in the

appropriate TEEM proccasing table from the first
the prepass tape.
d.

files of

Before the start of a pass, it writes on the recording tape
the prepass information that the station has received for
the coming pass.

For a more detailed description,

sce Reference 4.

1 April 1963

TM-1146/000/O0

11
(Page 12 blank)

PARLLEL

S RAL

1200 BITS FER SECOND

BIRD BUFFER

LINES '10 TRACKING 5)TATTI0UIN

SEIL

LNS

169-1

C
D

167

161
C
C
II

AtDDITIONAL TRA.CKING
TATOO1PEXES

7ADDITIONAL
BIRD BUFFERS

iCONTRO

F,:14

160 A

LUFgr

TIME

.
3=50

SECOMmPUTER

I)P-1

iiFigure

STO Equipment B

•4-ii.46/000/00

-i

160A
B
BIRD BUFFER
CO)MPUT1ER

I604

CIURITf; i.

6-2

3=1661A
169-i

61-P<16

6511

B 04 CC•4LEXES
C

1It!

!,!A 1F (- DA RO(W4

HOW

=6-

Y ADDITIONAL

BIRD BUIWFRS
COMPLEXES

S1~~

IA S 1-"! .':T

,)p;;.

1l0(.4

CON"TROL

Ai-HIEVIATIONM

CSCCU
I M.r.A
.

Co"'puter Conmunication Converter
Communication Data Select & Cross Connect Unit
Computer Select & Cross Connect Unit
Modulator & Demodulator

IDCC
BG-13

Master Deta Control Console
Cryptographic Unit

Auto-Resync

533
1610A

Automatic henv-nchronlzation Unit
IBM1Card Punch and Reader
CDC-1604 Adaptor for 1I'l Crd Reader and Punch

350
1RPF-11

CDC Paper Tope neader
CDS Paper Thpe Punch

161

CD, '1M•wite r

163-h
166-2
167

CDC I apnetlc Tape Freme (the dash number
tie numler of tope handlers)
150 Ipw. PrInter

CCC

CDSCCU

66i

169-1
1612

STO Equipment Block Diagram

CDCCard Reader
CBC External Memory (8K)

16oh

CDC 1000 ipm Printer
CDC Computer (18K)
CDC Computer (32K)

1615

CBIS agnetic Tape Frame w.ith CDC5606 Tape Driven

160A

Figure 2.

indicates

Tm-iJA6/ooo/oo

1 April 1963

ORRt

O.t.

ORV

[InJ
jJ

ULANIN

UY
I ]aG

DAtA

t
i-

GEI
W0

[10

K
LUHPILA?

LUMvIt I
COW ANo

001
-L

II....))~

QP~JII

AIEtoo.I

SIRCTO

CIO
IOW

00DIkECION

lADCOMPLEX

AALY

jJ>I

Q(ýA(
EDO,
LEGEND

%sYSIT
-NTAPG
E
1.ELE PITAT

Figure

SECOND
1Too0

M1ARCNOEA
O-

ENE(-,DK

TItATE
TUPE

STO Control Area Layout

CoN TRat
ToECCts
00o.'

WI001.

1 April 1963

m-iik6/c0oo/oo

Telemetry Processing Modujle (STEPP)...STEPP accepts telemetry
data frcn the tracking station, performs the necessary conversions to engineering units, perpares one set of selected
data for printout on the Data Analysis printer and a different
set for printout on the Data Presentation printer, and prepares,
for printout, any alarms or status messages generaLed by the TIM
computer at che tracking station.

Tracking Module (STRAK).--STRAK has three functions:

During a pass, it accepts track data from a tracking station
at the rate of one message per second, formats 'the data for
printout, and sets flags so the data will be printed out on
the Data Presentation and Data Analysis printers.

On request from the 1.604 computer, it searches the recording tape for the requested tracking data, reads it into
core, and uses the crnunications subroutine SIBBTC to transfer it to the 1604.
This operation is accomplished in the
post-pass mode.

STRAK will print out alarm and status messages which are concerned with tracking and are received from the remote site's
T&C computer.
These will consist of text messages and will
be transferred to the Data Analysis and Data Presentation
printers as specified.

Communication Module (SIBBTC)-. SIBIITC enables the Bird Buffer
to comr-unicate with th 1±60h computer on a core-to-core basis,
using the direct transfer mode of the 1615 tape units. Five
types of transfers are ef coted by SIBBTC:
a.

It receives prepass messages containing antenna pointing,
commands, scheduling, and text information. All messages
are checksumamed and the comnand messages are retransmitted
to the 1604 computer for bit-by-bit verification.

It receives commands from the 1604 computers for real-time
transmission to the vehicle via the T&C computer.
Each
message is retransmitted to the 1604 computer for bit-by-bit
verification.

It transfers vehicle-time and tracking data to the 1604
computer.
These data arc verified for correctness by the
i6o4, with a response back to the Birt Buffer.

A "last Operation Complete" control message is sent by SIBBTC
after the last block of tracking data has been sent. 'lint
function is called for by the user program and is not a
decision of SIBBTCo

1 April 1963

Mrs-11.46/000/00

SCHOPS data are sent by the 1604 to the Bird Buffer and
SIBBTC responds as to the correctness of the data.

Input Processing Module (SPROC)--SPROC interprets control
card inputs and causes the appropriate actions to be taken
by the Bird Buffer modules. The card-input requests and
the SPROC response to each request are as follows:
a.

Initialize--The Bird Buffer will identify with the vehicle
number contained on the card; tapes will be rewound, system
flags set to zero, and system buffers initialized.

Transfer TRK--SPROC reads the requested tracking data
from the 163 tape, interrupts the 1604, and transfers the
data core to core.

Transfer Prepass--SPROC interrupts the 1604 and requests
the prepass data. Each message is checksummed and stored
on the 163 tape.

Command History--SPROC searches the 163 for the specified
pass and prints out, on the designated printers, all
commands given and operational report messages received
during this pass.

Merge Tape--SPROC finds the telemetry mode tables on tape,
as specified on this card, and merges them onto the first
part of the prepass tape.

Contact Site--A "Hello, STC to Site" message is
send to the tracking station.

Send Prepass--SPROC reads the prepass data into core and
flags it for transmission to the tracking station.

Transfer Card Prepass--SPROC reads prepass data from the
cards and writes it on a 163 tape in the proper format
for transmission to the tracking station.

Transfer SCHOPS--An interrupt and request for a tracking
station's scheduling data is sent to the 1604 computer.
Transfer is core to core and recording on the 163 tape is
in the same format in which it is received.

flagged to

1 April 1963

24-fL46/000/00

Restart--This card, followed by an initialize card, causes
the Bird Buffer to be re-initialized.

Change TRK Rate--The new rate data on the card are assembled,
a check sum is calculated, and a flag is set for transmission
to the TOC computer.

Request Commands--SPROC interrupts and request commands from
the 1604. Commands sent are verified by retransmission,
then flagged to be sent immediately to the tracking station.
No format change is made and the Bird Buffer does not accept
a second 64-word command message until the first message has
been sent to the tracking station and verified.

Send Comiand-.SPROC assembles the command message from the
card input, calculates a checksum, and flags the message for
transmission to the tracking station.

Send Text--SPROC assembles the text message from the card
input, computes a checksum, and flags it for transmission
to the tracking station. It also flags the message for
printout on any of the 166 printers designated.

Select or Modify TLM Mode--SPROC assembles the now
parameters, computes a checksum, anm sets a flag for transmission of the message to ;he tracking station. If a new
mode is requested, SPROC inputs the new mode tables from
the prepass tape.

Suppress TRK Printout--Periodic printout of vehicle time and
tracking data is halted until a "Re-initiate TRK Printout"
card is inserted. The data flow to the 163 tape is not
interrupted.

Re-initiate TRK Printout--This card restarts the printout
of tracking data on the 166 printers.

END--This notifies SPROC of the end of an input which is
contained on more than one card. All cards following
the end card are disregarded until another control card
is encountered.

1 April 1963

TM-iI46/ooo/Oo

A Bird Buffer subsystem consists of the following equipment (see Figure 2).
1.

One CDC 160A computer.

One CDC 169-1 auxiliary memory, which gives a total high-speed
core-memory capability of 16,384 twelve-bit words.

One 160A-P phantom resume, which gives a response to the 160A
It is
when an equipment selected by it is not available0
mounted on the CDC-161 typewriter.

One 160 A-D amplifier unit. This is a set of line amplifiers,
which enable the 160A computer to drive equipment located up

to 500 feet away.

5. One CDC 161 input/output typewriter on the CDC 169 buffer
channel.

One 350 paper-tape reader on the 1.60K normal channel.

7. One BEPE-11 paper-tape punch on the 160A normal channel.
8. One CDC 163-4 magnetic-tape unit on the 160A buffer channel.
9.
10.

One CDC 167-2 card reader on the CDC 169 buffer channel.
One CDC 166-2 printer on the 160A normal channel.

11. One CCC on the 160A normal channel. It will have two input
spigots to the Bird Buffer--one from the TLM computer and
the other from the T&C computer.
The Bird Buffer system interfaces with the CDC-1604 off-line computers through
CDC-1615 magnetic tape units operating in the satellite mode. All transfers
between these two computers are on a core-to--core basis. The CSCCU connects
the Bird Buffer to a 1604 computer in accordance with the SCHOPS schedule or
through manual intervention by the MDCC operator. Thirteen remote 166-2
printers are shared by all Bird Buffers; un to three of them can be connected
to the 160A buffer channel at one time. The printers are connected to the
Bird Buffer by the CSCCU.

1 April 1963

r&-1146/O0o/oo

2.1.2
CDC 1604 Computer Subsystems. These subsystems consist of four
computers and their peripheral equipment. The four computers operate
independently of each other. In contrast to the Bird Buffers, 'which are vehicle
oriented, the 1604's do not usually support vehicles in real time; they are
normally operated off line and on demand. (However, there are cases in which
real-time support of a vehicle may be necessary because of urgent time considerations. Some of these cases are: (1) initial orbit determination,
(2) re-entry impact-point determination immediately after receipt of re-entry
tracking data, sad (3) generation of emergency alternate command messages.)
The 16 0 4 's are time shared by all satellite-program users, with the actual
schedule of usage being prepared by SCHOPS and Multi-ops personnel. Four main
functions are performed by the 1604's:
1.

Orbit determination and prediction.

Ascent and re-entry calculations.

3. Preparation of vehicle command messages.
4.

Production of SCHOPS schedules.

A brief description of these functions is given below, with the exception of
the SCHOPS function, which is described in Section 6.0.*
Orbit determination and prediction involves the collecting of tracking data
from the launch site and tracking stations, and the use of these data to
generate ephemerides for the active satellites in the system. The scheduling
of the SCF equipment and human resources depends on these derived data. The
specific operations performed by the Orbit Determination and Prediction programs
are:
1.

Receive rav tracking data from the launch site and tracking
stations via the Bird Buffer Subsystem.

Screen and process the raw tracking data to obtain updated
orbital elements.

Print out the raw tracking data for visual analysis.

Use nominal or actual orbital elements to calculate vehicle
acquisition rise and set times for SOY and SPADATS tracking
stations.

Use nominal or actual orbital elements to generate vehicle
ephemerides over designated time periods.

*For more detailed descriptions of the functions, see References 6 and 10.

-146/000/00

I April 1963

Provide for data fitting and tracking data prediction over
an orbit adjust 0

7. Maintain the capability to select and combine orbital vectors
to obtain updated orbital elements.

Generate data for driving antennas at tracking stations.

The Ascent and Re-enlry programs support the critical phases of a satellite's
operational life by performing the following operations:
1. Process nominal vehicle ascent parameters to provide tracking
station antenna pointing data for vehicle ascent.
2.

Produce a nominal ascent ephemeris.

3. Process data from weather balloons to determine wind shear ana
its effect upon booster performance.
4.

Reduce ascent tracking data received from tracking stations
and determine orbital-injection parameters.

Provide the capability to establish a nominal orbit with nominal
injection conditions0

Predict the time to start the re-entry thrust stage, based upon
desired impact location

7. Determine nominal re-entry impact location, based upon the time
of thrust start.
8.

Receive, screenjand process raw re-entry tracking data to
determine the impact point location.

Provide a re-entry ephemeris and antenna pointing data for
driving antennas and for use by operations personnel.

The vehicle command messages that are transmitted to the vehicle by the tracking
station are assembled and formatted by the Vehicle Command programs. (Initiation,
transmissionond verification of commands are discussed in Section 5.0).
Operations performed by the Vehicle Command programs are:
1.

Generate Real Time Commands (RTC)

(spc).

and Stored Program Commands

1 April 1963

2&-146/000/O0

Determine required Auxiliary Real Time Commands (ATC)
control the Fairchild Timer operation.

Update command tablesbased upon commands being transmitted
to and verified by the vehicle0

Establish the relationship between vehicle and system time.

The 1604 computers interface with the vehicle-oriented Bird Buffers through
The
the intermediary of the 1615 tape unit operating in the satellite mode.
working time assignments for the 1604 are determined by the SCHOPS schedule
under the direction of Multi-ops personnel 0
Actual connection to a Bird Buffer
is through the CSCCU, under the control of the Switch Control Computer. A
1604 sabsystem, with its peripherial equipment, consists of:
1.

One CDC 1604 Computer.

Four CDC 1615 Tape Units.

3- One CDC 1612 On-Line Printer.
4.
5

One IBM 088, 8 0o-column Card Reader.
One IBM 523, 8-=column Card Punch.

One CDC ERPE-11 Paper Tape Punch.

7T One CDC 350 Paper Tape Reader.
2.1.3
Communication Data Select and Cross Connect Unit (CDSCCU) and
Computer Select and Cross Connect Unit (.SCOUJo The capability that the
Angmented SCF has to handle multiple-satellite operations is in large part
dependent upon being able to rapidly connect and disconnect the equipment
arrays at the STA that are necessary to support the varied high load situation
encountered in a dense satellite environment. The designs of the CDSCCU and
CSCCU are such that great flexiblity is allowed in setting up and reconfiguring
the equipment complexes demanded by the rapidly changing conditions.
The CDSCCU and CSCCU are switching devices used to interconnect the communications
and data-processing facilities at the STCo
The CDSCCU connects the Bird Buffers
with the terminal equipment of the 1200-bps communication lines which connect
with the tracking stations. The CSCCU connects the Bird Buffers to the 1604
computers through the CDC 1615 magnetic tape units operating in the satellite
mode, and to the CDC=166 printers (See Figure 2).
These switching units are
under the control of the 160A Switch Control Computer (SCC) and the Master Data
Control Console (MDCC).

1 April. 196

TM- 1146/ooo/0o

'Thne CDSCCU, by swit...n

a Bird Buffer from one track ng- t atin
line to
another, enables the Bird Buffer to process all the data from a given satellite as contact with it passes among the various tracking stations in the
SCF network. The actual interfaces of the CDSCCU are with the Computer
Communication Converter (CCC) on the Bird Buffer side, and with the KG-13
cryptographic equipment on the line side. The initial capacity of the switch
is
'_KG-13's and 8 CCC's. Each cross point is a relay with 20 break-beforemake contacts. Four of these contacts are used for duplex serial input/output
data, eleven are for control between the CCC and Autoresync,and five are spares.
The CSCCU, by switching a Bird Buffer from among the available 1604's, makes
possible the best use of the available computer capacity. The CSCCU differs
from the CDSCCU in that multiple connections may be made on the 1604 side of
the switch so that more than one 166 printer may be connected to a Bird Buffer.
Also, on the CSCCU, there is a Security mode, which can be used to restrict
certain printers from being connected to certain Bird Buffers by the control
computer or by override from the MDCC. The initial capability of the CSCCU
is eight Bird Buffers on one side by twenty connections on the other (four
1615's, thirteen 166-2's and three spares). It has a growth potential to
thirty-two Bird Buffers by sixty-four 1615's and 166's. Each cross-point
connection has forty break-before-make contactr, thirty-six of which are wired.
Of the thirty-six wired contacts, twenty-four are used for duplex parallel
input/output data and twelve are for control between the tape storage units
.nd the Bird Buffer.
2.1.h
CDC 160A Switch Control Computer.
The principal functions of the
Switch Control Computer (SCC) are to control the operations of the CDSCCU and
CSCCU in response to the SCHOPS-generated master schedule tape and to monitor
the switch actions controlled from the Mas:ter Data Control Console (MDCC).
The SCC maintains status information on all of the zross point connections of'
the two cross-connect units. At regular intervals (one hour), and on request
from the MDCC, this status is printed out on the 166 printer located at the
MDCC.
There are five modes of operation of the SCC: (1) Normal, (2) Card Override,
(3) Cards-only, (4) Status, and (5) Interrupt. The Normal mode operation
processes a SCHOPS tape input to provide output commands that control the
CDSCCU and CSCCU. In the Card Override mode, card inputs can modify the SCHOPS
schedule. The Cards-Onlý mode puts all switch operations under control of
the input cards. The Status mode allows checking of the actual switch status
with the SCHOPS schedule; discrepancies are noted and explained on the printout.
The Interrupt mode allows interruption of the SCC by its peripheral equipment
(Figure 2). As most routines cannot be interrupted, interrupts are held active
so that they can be processed after the routine being processed is completed.
The SCC is supplied with system time by the Computer Timing Buffer Equipment
(CTBE).
Time is stored in memory, where it is periodically compared with

the switch times listed on the SCHOPS-generated master schedule. When the
schedule time for a cross-point-connection change is reached, the SCC outputs
a command to the switching unit concerned.

The status table is

then updated

1 Apri- 1963

T4- i146/000/00

for each valid command. If the command was not successful in changing the
cross-point connection, the response word from the switch unit is analyzed
and an alarm is printed on the MDCC 166 printer. Invalid commands, such as
commands for units in a Maintenance mode or commands which set a cross-point
connection to its existing position, are not sent to the switching units.
The equipment associated with the 160A Switch Control Computer is as follows
(see Figure 2):
1.

Computer Timing Buffer Equipment (CTBE).

CDC 167 Card Reader 0

CDC 350 Paper Tape Reader.

CDC BRPE - 11 Paper Tape Punch.

CDC 161 Electric Typewriter.

CDC 163-4 Magnetic Tape Handler.

7. CDC 166 Printer0

CDSC~g.

CSCCUo

Master Data Control Console. The Master Data Control Console (MDCC)
2.165
is the central monitor of the data-processing system at the STC. It also
functions as a backup to the 160A Switch Control Computer (SCC) in controlling
the CDSCCU and CSCCU. In this capacity, it has three operating modes: (1)
Dual Control, (2) Manual Lockout, and (3) Manual Control.
When operating in the Dual Control mode, the IDCCC can command the connect or
disconnect of any cross-point connection in the CDSCCU and CSCCU. In this mode,
the SCC has the same capability to control the switches as the MDCC. Thus,
the CDSCCU and the CSCCU respond to commands from either of these sources and
either source can change any cross-point connection at any time.
In the Manual Lockout mode, the MDCC has the same control of the switches
as in the previous mode but can exclude the control of the SCC over any selected
cross-point connection. By means of a lockout command, manually executed in
conjunction with any connect or disconnect. the MDCC can prevent the SCC from
changing that connection. This lockout condition is removed when a subsequent
manual selection, without a lockout command, is made for that cross-point
connection.

I April 1963

T1- 1146/000/00

In the Manual Control mode, the SCC is prevented from making cross-point
All switch changes are made manually from the MDCC.
connects or disconnects.
Changing from one mode of operation to the other does not in itself change
any existing cross-point connections.
The MDCC will have displays which indicate the status of all cross-point
connections in the CDSCCU and CSCCU, including the "lockout" condition of
(i)
Timing displays available at the MDCC are:
the Manual Lockout mode.
and
59
59
minutes,
23
hours,
up
to
intervals
in
one-second
time
universal
seconds; and (2) system time in seconds up to 86,399 seconds.
A communications panel is available on the MDCC to allow the operator access
The
to the intra-station and inter-station voice-communication networks.
MDCC is provided with a CDC-161 input/output typewriter for communication
with the SCC.
All cross-point connections made by the MDCC are monitored by the SCC and a
record of these actions is output on the MDCC 166 printer.
The CDC 1604 is an all-transistorized, storedCDC 1604 Computer.
2.1.6
It has a storage capacity of
program, general-purpose digital computer.
32,768 forty-eight-bit words. Following axe some 3f the 1604 features:
1.
2.

rean&_el mode of operation.
Single-address logic, two instructions per 48-bit word:
6 bits
-- designator --------------- 3 bits
-- base execution address--15 bits
-- operation code -----------

Six index registers.

4. Storage in two independent 16,384 word banks, alternately
phased.
-- 4.8 microseconds effective cycle time (overlapping cycles)
-- 6.4 microseconds total cycle time

Input/output facilities:
-- Three 48-bit buffer input channels
-- Three 48-bit buffer output registers
-- One high-speed, 48-bit, input-transfer channel (4.8 micro
seconds, 48-bit parallel word)

Program interrupt.

1 April 1963

TM-'146/ooo/oo

In the i6o0, input/output operations are carried out independently of the
main computer program
When transmission of data is required, the main
0
computer program is used only to initiate an automatic cycle, which buffers
data to and from the computer memory0 The main computer program then continues
while the actual buffering of data is carried out independently and automatically.
The input/output section of the 1604 contains facilities for several- modes of
communication.
For normal exchange of data with peripheral equipment, independent
control is provided for the transfer of data via three 48-bit buffer input
channels and three 48-bit buffer output channels. These channels operate
asynchronously with the main computer program
For high-speed communication,
0
one 48-bit input-transfer channel and one 48-bit output-transfer channel are
provided so that two or more 1604's can communicate with each other. Communication
control is performed by the external function instruction. In addition, the
interrupt feature provides requests from peripheral equipment to the computer.
See Section 2.1.8 for a description of the 1604 Satellite mode of operation with
a CDC 160A computer.
2.1o7
CDC 160A Computer. The CDC 160A computer is a flexible, multipurpose, stored-program data processor and converter. It employs high speed
(:2 megacycle clock frequency) transistor amplifier circuits, diode logic, and
a magnetic-core matrix memory. Word construction is 12 binary digits, parallel
throughout, programmable to multi-precision and to alpha-numeric end binarycoded decimal.
The basic memory of the 160A computer consists of two units (banks) of magneticcore storage, each with a capacity of 4096 tvelve-bit binary words and a storage
cycle time of 6.4 microseconds. The internal program will automatically switch
from one storage bank to another, depending on the addressing mode. The switch
can also be accomplished by instructions which specifically assign and/or select
the reference for a particular bank. This basic memory may be expanded in
modules of 8,192 words, up to a maximum of 32,768 words. Instructions are
executed in one to four storage cycles; the time varies between 6.4 and 25.6
microseconds. The average program time for executing the repertoire of 130
basic instructions is approximately 15 microseconds per instruction.
A general-purpose input-channel and output-channel system is provided for
attaching a variety of input/output devices.
Input and output transmissions
are either a single 6-bit, 7-bit, or 8-bit character, or a 12-bit word.
Standard input/output is by punched-paper-tape, high-speed, read-and-punch
units. Optionally, other input/output devices, such as on-line typewriter,
magnetic-tape handlers, ounched-card units, digital communication units, analogto-digital converters, or other similar equipment may be added.
A buffer input/output channel permits the computer to continue high-speed
computation while communicating with external equipment.
Any peripheral unit
connected to the buffer channel may also be addressed, using the normal input/
outpat channel.

1 April 1963

Four interrupt lines, including a manual interrupt,
computer time0

TM-li146/000/C0

allow effective use of

Operation of the 160A computer is sequenced by an internally stored program.
This program, as well as the data being processed, is contained in the highAn instruction is a 12-bit word comprising a
speed, random-access storage.
6-bit function code and a 6-bit code extension and/or execution address.
Program modifications are accomplished and operands are manipulated by direct,
The 160A is constructed in a standard-size
relative, or indirect addressing.
office desk.
CDC 1615 Magnetic Tape Unit. The CDC 1615 is an optional input/
2.1.8
It is
output and auxiliary-memory storage device for the CDC 1604 computer 0
comprised of four CDC-606 digital tape handlers and a synchronizer control unit,
Each tape unit handles and processes plasticall housed in a single cabinet.
base tape on which data are stored as magnetized spots. The synchronizer buffers
and controls the flow of data between the computer and the individual tape
units. Transfer of data from computer memory to magnetic tapes, and vice versa,
and exchange of control information is accomplished through coded, programmed,
external-function instructions.
Tape speed during reading and writing operations is 150 inches per second; the
A seven-track,
maximum character transfer rate is 83,400 characters per second.
non-return-to-zero recording scheme is used. Six tracks are assigned to the
data (termed a character) and one track contains a parity check bit for the
character. A character and its parity bit comprise a line of tape data. Data
The
binary and binary-coded decimal (coded).
are recorded in two formats:
parity bit is chosen to make the total number of "I" bits in a line odd in
binary format and even in coded format. Data are recorded on the tape at a
selectable density of 556 or 200 lines per inch in records of varying length.
In the Satellite mode of operation, a 1604 computer communicates with a 160A
computer through the 1615. Both computers have access to the tape units and
simultaneous read and write operations may take place. The 160A communicates
on a 12-bit, two-way channel and the 1604 communicates on two 48-bit channels.
The 160A may write while the 1604 reads, or vice versa, but the read or write
An additional feature is
control can be used by only one computer at a time.
a 6-bit path from the write-channel control to the read=channel control, which
bypasses the tape completely and allows direct transfer of data between computers.
The rate of data transfer in this mode is dependent only on the transfer rates
of the computers. For the 1604, the word-transfer rate (8 characters) is
The 160A word-transfer rate (2 characters)
5,000 wps min and 50,000 wps maximum.

is 80,000 wps.

1 April 1963

r4- n46/ooo/oo

The CDC 166 Line Printer is a P88-lineCDC 166 Line Printer.
2.1.9
per-minute buffered printer, with 120 character positions per line. It can
be connected and controlled on line from the CDC 160A. That is, data can be
processed and formatted in the computer and then sent to the 166 for printing.
The 166 can also be used in an off-line tape-to-printer mode.
The CDC 162 Line Printer is a data-output
CDC ]612 Line Printer.
device designed to work in direct communication with the CDC 160A or 160A
Its characteristics are:
computers.
2.1.10

Printing Rate--l000 lpm.

2°

Maximum Paper Speed--9000 1pm.

Line Length-.120 columns.

Line Spacing--6 lines per inch.

Character Spacing--lO per inch (on line).

6. Number of Characters--64 including blanks.
CD)C 163 Magnetic Tape Unit, The CDC 163
2.1.11
high-speed input/output device consisting of control
The unit has a maximum transfer rate
tape handlers.
per second, and its data format can be either- binary

Magnetic Tape Unit is a
logic and several magneticof 15,000 tvelve-bit words
or BCD.

The CDC 169 Auxiliary Memory Unit
Memory Unit.
CDC 169 Auxii
2.l.12
The unit increaseb the storage
computers.
two
160A
connects on line to one or
capacity of the 160A in modules of 8192 words, up to a maximum additional
capacity of 24,576 words, and provides the computers with an additional input/
output buffer. This buffer, once addressed, operates independently of the
(The number following the dash, as in GDC 169-1, indicates the number
.- omjumas.
of ?192-word modules that are in the auxiliary memory; thus, a CDC 169-1 gives
a CDC 160A computer a total memory capacity of 16,384 words.)
The auxiliary memory unit makes up to five peripheral equipments and six external
Since external buffer and memory
memory banks available to either computer.
circuits function independently, one computer can initiate an external buffer
As long as the
operation while the other uses an external memory module.
computers select separate modules, concurrent external memory references are
The unit resolves multiple requests for a single module on a wordpossible.
The 169 cabinet holds one, two, or three external
by-word, equal-share basis.
memory modules. Each module has two 4096 twelve-bit word banks, identical to
A basic twelve-bit storage address designates
those of the 160A internal memory.
a word location in an internal or external bank. Storage cycle time is 6.4
microseconds.

I April 1963

TM- L:f6/000/O0

The computer storage bank controls specify four functional banks:
1. Relative (for instructions)0
2.

Direct (for constants).

Indirect (foz operands).

Buffer (for internal buffered I/O data).

Programmed or manual bank selection by the 160A determines the physical bank
to be used (banks 0 and I in the 160A, banks 2 through T in the 169).
A bank can represent more than one functional bank. Several banks cannot
operate concurrently as one functional bank. For example, to have banks
2 and 4 represent the relative bank, the computer must make two bank selections,
negating the first before selecting the second.
Independent storage cycles eliminate the need for synchronization between
external memory modules. The external buffer and computers share access to
each external-memory module. Each module contains a scanner, which continually
monitors module-access requests from the computers or external buffer. When it
detects such a request, the scanner stops and the module storage cycle starts.
During the last quarter of this cycle, the scanning resumes. One device
cannot monopolize a module. If the computers and the external buffer try to
make concurrent storage references in a module, the scanner allows first one,
then another, and finally the third device to use the memory. In the most
unfavorable case, the waiting period between storage cycles cannot exceed 16
microseconds.
In the most favorable case (one device continuously interrogating
a particular module), the scanLner cycles back during the fourth quarter of the
cycle so that there is no delay between storage references.
The external buffer is an input/output circuit that transfers information
between the external memory and peripheral equipment at rates up to 125 kc.
Operation of the external buffer is independent of the computer, once the
buffer mode has been initiated. During this time, the computer can select
another equipment or perform internal computation. The 160A can simultaneously
perform input/output operations on the interna.• buffer channel, external buffer
channel (via the 169), and normal input/output channel.

2.1.13

CDC 161 Typewriter Unit. The CDC 161 Typewriter Unit is an optional
input/output device for the 160A Computer System. The unit consists of an IBM
electric typewriter modified by Soroban Engineering, Inc. , and a control chassis.
The typewriter, which operates at a rate of approximately lO-to-12 output
characters per second, may be used as a keyboard input device or as an output
device for producing printed copy.

1 April 1963

TM-1146/ooo/oo

Control panel switches and indicators allow the operator to monitor and
manually control the opr-rations.
Information passes between the typewriter unit and the computer via two
cables, which connect at the bottom wiring side of the logic chassis.
Wires
jumper these two cable connectors to allow other equipment to commnnicate with
the computer on the same communication paths. If more than one typewriter is
included in the system, internal biasing changes are required. The typewriter
unit provides the computer with a flexible input/output monitoring device.
Through this medium, data may be entered manually into the computer, or, in
the output mode, monitoring information in a printed form may be received
from the computer.
2.2

TRACKING STATION EQUIPMENT

The six Augmented tracking stations in the SCF (see Figure 1) will have major
equipment additions and will be connected to the STC with duplex 1200-bit-persecond data lines.
(IOS, however, will have 100-wpm telemetry lines for an
indefinite time.) The major subsystems at the six Augmented stations are:
1.

Two Antenna subsystems (one for telemetry, the other for
tracking and commanding).

One Telemetry Data Processor (TDP),

one FM/FM Ground Station,

and peripheral equipment.

One Station Operator's Console (SOC).

One Input/Output Buffer (IOB)

One Data Processing subsystem (two 160A computers with their
peripheral equipment--one for telemetry, the other for tracking
and commanding).

and Command Logic Equipment (CLE).

In addition to the above equipments, three of the Augmented stations (VTS, NHS,
and HTS) have duplicate data-processing subsystems and various other equipments.
These additional facilities give them a limited capability to support two
satellites simultaneously. Certain combinations of satellite systems may be
supported simultaneously and others may not, depending upon the particular
requirements for ground support equipment that each satellite has and the
capabilities of the various stations to satisfy these requirements.
In addition to the standard configurations discussed above, some of the Augmented
stations will have satellite-specific equipment, such as 400-mc receiving/
commanding equipment, PCM telemetry equipment, and GP-l Ground Station equipment.
Reference 11 lists
the individual station equipment configurations in greater
detail. Figure 4 shows the configuration of a typical augmented station and

1 April 1963

29
(Page 30 blank)

TM-1146/000/00

RADARTRACKER

ERGNFL

RZEL-STRTAS

GPTER

KIM TRACKER

FIRILTo

FROMPRLESS

OSY

OTU

TI ELFRIM
TOG
TGBUFFER

STRTO
QUALIFY
BIT

BDIGITAL

.
ITEOVTE
RATf

RI-EL-I

TEDIGIINALT

STRTR
RPRRIITIRI

.ONORO
COIBOR
TOE

DIG.A C=O
TIGITALLRRRMOEER CRECK

PROGRAM

RTEM
A

BBORSO
1

CPBC.
ECNO

EANALOG
ZOM
..R

EJISTIKIBAD

BCEIIR
F
1

FGTsANALOG

(OMARRRS

TAGILIT

TO TIRE

TIKE

PISEGR STM

OCOOISITIOAST5.OD

CCO",M

,05_IL

ARO TRACRTOAETE
IF
TILMER
T
1ACKO
SIgACTE

GIIRKIOBS

TOM..

S005011

0500
TIMTITLNOG

BISRBT

DIS

ýS
ORE
T BCT
CA
AlT.

DISCRBBONARTEB

TM/FMTN
COMB
UEITR.F
O0.05.6.T
BIK
RECOMMIATE
.TIM

LDLCOAIATDD
COMPARAILL
SRM

1100

SUMIR

TIM ROACEES
ROETE 5ITAI8OIT.Q

E-E
FIRA
P

lIMO

RN.

DPIEOT

SAMETL
III,..

ITLR

RE.
L(B
I)z

REMOTE
EDIEIR

STROPRO
SLAVE`BO
AAMGSTTS
TR ITOBR-ELODS
T GUU

O10".ACIO
'.M

B ISETATSBOA
B STELA

DISBTRIBU0TOR

REDD
RBS

Figure 4.

TIMIBG

Typical Augmented TrackingS

-n6/000/00

MI F -ELSTATUS

I
F-EL-Ru5STUFus
('O~tFI

Air

CC -uIc.

IF ANIMALT

TU~J

FROMFMLEOL S"S
'
T-WEC

."EE

AM
T

CC
-

(Mu.....

CDCL
CAC-IAL

T.D
COFMLLC.TERm

AlMA
RTf

D.G11A,~F~l
OFAITAL
MAIMAN
S.

FMFF

.O.

(0M -

C 1C 50-[1"
0

S,1C
SCU ABS COAT
AMM -t4'.'Su.EF

'Lu

1-1N

(O.FMF

F.5I

TITIf

T-

AFCM
AS FEA

V C'TO

A F M C O MI
L IAF
TQ
C I 10Pý

UFIL
TO
SotAF

TFST

FM.

Tu/

SQFl

FPuyA

CM~M

lILI4

FCC-"FME
LA.

O.CFIIMC
_
FP

F~~~o

MFAAS

e 4.

C'E
L.QIOMIM

AFCFFIF

IMFIFMF MC

u MOLL iCA6-

Typical Augmented Tracking Station Block Diagram

COIFIUOLo

TOSO

~
MAICFI
CEMFF1M

h£FC

BITMI,

...

(MA.DKE

[

1
A

JCT
F.M

*UMTMIO

I Apr!Ii) 193

31ft1)246/000/oo

fi!gure 5 lists the antenna systems that. wilt exist at the various stations.
Tbe tracking station equipment can be grouped into three ma.in subsystem
c at egories;

Antenna subsystems.

Telemetry, Tracking and Command subsystems.

3. Data Processing subsystem.
assured by intoerconnecting these subsystems through
patchboards.
The Telemetry, Tracking, and Command subsystems are connected
to the Antenna subsystems by the Station Patchboard and to the Data Processing
subsystem by the Cross Connect Panel.
J;,Lexib111ty of operation is

These tnterronnections are determined at the STC with the aid of the SCHOPS
scheduling program. A schedule is provided to the station operators, which
assures the best use of the available equipment to accomplish the multiple
satellite control mission.
The three main equipment subsystems groupings are discussed in more detail
in Sections 2.2.1 through 2.2.3 below.
2.2.1
Antenna Subsystems.
The Antenna subsystems are the primary datainput devices of the SCF. They are in direct contact with the orbiting vehicles.
The standard configuration at each tracking station consists of two Antenna
subsy_'ems, one foe telemetry and the other for tracking and commanding.
M.odifications to some Antenna subsystems provide additional capabilities.
Scme extra equipment, including antennas, has been installed at certain
ztationE for use by a specific satellite system. For these reasons, the
antenna configttrations at the various stations are not identical. Figure 5
lists -the major Antenna subsystems that will be used at the different stations.
Brief descriptions of the operating characteristics of the principal Antenna
subsystems used in the Augmented SCF are given in Sections 2.2.2.1 through
2.2.1.6 below.

2.2.1..1
Verlort Radar. The Verlort is an S-Band radar operating in the
2.7-to&2.9-kmc frequency band.
It transmits interrogation pulses to a transponder in the orbiting vehicle and tracks the return signals. Tracking data
are furnished in azimuth, elevation, and range. The radar has a 10-footdiameter, 37-db-gain, parabolic reflector. Verlort has an effective range
of 500C miles.
The feed assembly furnishes a 30-cps conical scan, which
produces an error signal to drive the antenna positioning servos. The peak

1963
"-rir_

M- 1146/000/00

power output is 325 KW, the "main bang" pil se width is 0.8 microseconds, and
(More detailed system specifications
the prf rates are 410, 512 584, and 610.
are listed in Reference 3.1 The radar transmits a 3-pulse code (two 0.25
The first pulse position with
microseconds pulses precede the main bang).
respect to the main bang provides a code address to identify a particular
Command data are transmitted by means of the middle
vehicle transponder 0
pulse (see Section 5.0).
The maximum automatic tracking rates are 10 degrees per second in azimuth and
elevation, and 10,000 yards per second in range. The angular and range accuracies
are 0.3 degree and 2500 feet respectively.
The Prelort radar is an S-band radar covering the
Prelort Radar.
2.2.1.2
seme frequency band and having the same general operating characteristics as the
Verlort radar. It represents a major modification to the Verlort with improved
resolution and accuracy. It has a new 14-foot-diameter parabolic reflector
with an improved feed system, a new precision pedestal with improved servo drive
system and digital encoders, and low-noise-figure parametric pre-amplifiers.
These improvements greatly increase the tracking accuracy in azimuth and
elevation over that of the Verlort. The range accuracy remains the same as
for the Verlort.
Telemetry and Data (T&) Antenna. The T&D Antenna is a passive
2.2.1.3
telemetry receiving system originally designed to operate in the 2.2-to-2.3-kmc
band. All T&D Antennas in use in the SCF have been modified to also receive
telemetry signals in the 225-to-245o-mc band. Some of these have been further
modified to receive telemetry signals in the 375-to-400 mc band. All have been
modified to have auto-track capability in either the 2.2-to-2.3 kmc band or the
375-to-4W0-mc band. The antenna has a 60-foot parabolic reflector giving a
gain of from 28 db to 49 db and a beam width of between 3 degrees and 0.5
degree, depending on the frequency band being used. In addition to the antenna
being automatically positioned in the Auto-Track mode, it can also be manually
positioned or driven from the slave data bus. Preamplifiers are installed at
the antenna for all frequency bands. Remote receivers for the 2.2-to-2.3-kmc
band of frequencies are part of the antenna system. These receivers have a
The amplified RF signals from the other
maximum sensitivity of about -134 dbm.
two frequency bands are fed to external telemetry receivers. A doppler receiver
can be used with the antenna to extract dopper velocity information from the
received signals in the 375-to-400-mc band in those antennas where the modification to receive this frequency band exists.
The ThM-18 Antenna subsystem passively
TLM-18 Telemetry Antenna.
2.2.1.4
tracks VHF telemetry signals in the 215=to-2 6 0-mc frequency band. Its principal
function is to receive telemetry data from orbiting vehicles but it also supplies
azimuth and elevation angle information on the vehicle it is tracking. The
antenna has a 60-foot-diameter, 28-db-gain, parabolic reflector. The feed
assembly furnishes a l0-cps-conical-scan modulation, which produces an error

I April 1963

Tx-iJ.f 6/ooo/o00

CA
--

IF0

I April 1963

TM- 1146/ooo/oo

signal to drive the antenna positioning servos. Pre-amplifiers at the antenna,
with 22-db gain, permit location of the VHF receivers at some distance from
the antenna without appreciable deterioration of signal quality. The tracking
accuracy varies between 0.12 degree at a 1-degree-per-second rate and 0.75
degree at a 6 -degree-per-second rate. The antenna can be remotely positioned
by the Slave Data Bus; pointing information is derived from another antenna or
from acquisition data from the STC. Tracking accuracy in the Slave mode of
operation is 2 degrees.
2.2.1o5
Disc-On-Rod (DOR) Antenna.
The DOR Antenna is a VHF, passive,
telemetry receiving system. It consists of four slow-wave, disc-on-rod structures,
with a ground plane mounted on a synchro-driven, gimballed pedestal. It has a
21-db gain over the design frequency range of 225 to 260 mc. It has a beam
width of approximately 14 degrees. It uses the interferometer method of angle
determination and has an angular accuracy of 0.5 degree in both azimuth and
elevation. The antenna can be manually positioned, can automatically track
VHF signals, or can be slaved to synchro data from other antenna systems or
aquisition information from the STC via the slave data bus. Signal sensitivity
is in the range of -113 to -120 dbm. The system has self-contained amplifiers
to develop the error signals used to drive the azimuth and elevation servos.
The Telemetry signal is passed on undetected to external telemetry receivers
in the FM/FM Ground Station.
2.2l.6
Tni-Helix Antenna. This is a VHF passive, telemetry receiving system.
It consists of a three-element helical array on a hexagonal ground plane,
which is mounted on a rotatable base. It has a 15-db gain over the design
frequency range of 235 to 265 me. It has a beam width of approximately 20
degrees and an angular accuracy of about 10 degrees- It can be manually
operated to assist in initial acquisition of satellite VHF signals by supplying
rough azimuth and elevation information. Its broad beam width does not require
highly accurate acquisition data. It may be driven by the slave data bus, using
acquisition data originating at the STC, or from data developed by more accurate
antenna systems, such as Verlort or TLM-18. The pre-amplifiers used give an
additional gain of 20 db and multicouplers allow up to six receivers to be
connected to the same pre-amplifier channel.

1 April 1963

•4-l11i6/000/O0

2.2.2
Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Subsystems. The three subsystems
described below have two important functions.
On thh. one hand, they receive
data from the satellite in the form of outputs from the Antenna subsystems
and process it into a format that is usable to the Data Processing subsystem.
On the o~ier hand, acquisition data and commands from the STA via the Data
Processing subsystem must be acted upon and put into a form suitable for
transmission tc the satellite by the Antenna subsystems.
Flexibility in the use of the station equipment. is made possible by the use
of two manual patching terminals--the Station Patch Board and the Cross
Connect Panel. The Station Patch Board (SPB) interconnects the Telemetry
In addition
Tracking, and Command subsystems with the Antenna subsystems.
to the regular control-circuit patching facilities, the SPB has coaxial
switches for connecting radio-frequency lines from +he FM/FM ground stations
to the Antenna subsystems. The Cross Connect Panel (C'P) interconnects the
Telemetry, Tracking, and Command subsystems to the Data Processing subsystem.
The actual interfaces for the CCP are the TDP and LOB on one side, interconnecting with the T&C and TLM data-processing computers on the other side.
1+ is by means of these two patching terminals that the configurations of the
dual tracking stations are determined. The configuration is usually selected
Emerby the STC and sent to the tracking stations in the prepass message.
gency reconfigurations and last minute changes are readily accomplished
because of the flexibility inherent in the patching terminals.
FM/FM Ground Station. The FM/FM Ground Station processes and
2.2.2.1
There are
records VHF telemetry data from the Telemetry Antenna Subsystem.
5 VHF receivers, including one spare, which accept inputs in the 215-to-260me band or at a 5i-mc predetection IF frE Taneucy from an extc_ iaal VHF receiver.
The composite video output of the Leceivers (100 cps to 125 kc) is recorded
on magnetic tape for permanent record of all FM/.7M telemetry data received.
The subsystem has one 18-channel subcarrier dtseriminator (SCD) group for
converting subcarrier channels into corninuous telemetry analog outputs.
In addition there are two 30-channel, pulse-amplitude-modulated (PAM) decommutators to demultiplex a total of 60 commutated points of the NRZ, GERZ
Up to a total of 64 selected analog outputs, conor IRIG standard types.
tinuous and decommutated, are sent to the telemetry data processor for
conversion into digital form. The telemetry data flow is described more
fully in Section 4.O and a simplified block diagram of the FM/FM Ground
Station is shown in Figure 10. Greater detail of the equipment and functions
are given in References 3 and 16.
The major functional components are listed
below.
1.

Two VHF Multicouplers.

Five VYE Telemetry Receivers.

1 April 1963

TM- 1146/ooo/oo

Two Spectrum Display Units.

One 3264 Pin Master Patch Panel.

One 40-Position RF Patch Panel.

Two Seven-Channel Magnetic Tape Recorder/Reproducer

One 18-Channel Subcarrier Discriminator System.

Two 90-Channel Decommutator Systems with 30 Selectable Outputs.

Two 36-Channel Optical Oscillographic Recorder Systemz.

Systems.

10.

One Band Switching Discriminator.

11.

Three 8-Channel Pen (heated stylus) Oscillographic Recorders.

12.

Five 18-Channel Analog/Digital Line Driver Amplifiers.

13.

One Monitoring Equipment.

14.

One Operational Alignment Equipment.

15.

One Auxiliary Support Equipment.

2.2.2.2
PCM Ground Station. The PCM Ground Station functions as intermediate processing equipment between the telemetry receivers and the Telemetry
Data Processor.
It converts the serial, 3-level, pulse-code-modulated (PCM)
data from the receiver frequency-discriminator output into parallel binary
data words that are compatible with the Data Processing subsystem. The
detected signal from the frequency discriminators is passed through a 30-kc
filter
to remove other telemetry data carried on a 70-kc subcarrier.
The
filter
output is then fed to the input of the PCM converter.
The PCM converter converts the 3-level signal into 2-level form and performs a noise
rejection operation.
The converted data are placed in intermediate storage
to allow bi-directional entry. This is necessary because, on some programs,
the PCM data are recorded on a vehicle-borne magnetic-tape system, and
playback may be in either forward or reverse direction.
The PCM data may
be received, therefore, in either a forward or backward format.
For off-line data processing~the 3-level PM14 data is used to modulate a
voltage-controlled oscillator to provide a frequency modulated 70-kc carrier
for recording on magnetic tape.
The tape may then be played back through
a 70-kc subcarrier discriminator to recover the 3-level PCM signal train,
which may then be sent through the PCM converter for processing.

I
37

1 April 1963

24-1146/O00/00

The General Fhxrpose PAM Ground Station
GP-1 Ground Station.
2.2.2.3
(PAM;-GPl) has been designed to receive a frequencyý-modulated PAM input signal
from ground-,based telemetry-receiving equipment and to provide digital output
In addition, demultiplexing and. analog outputs are provided for various
data.
ThiE eruipment can be programmed to handle various PAM formats by a
users,
main Program Board. It is capable of recording all received information on
an appropriate wideband magnetic-tape recorder, such as the Ampex FR 700,
A
and of reproducing this recorded information for off-line processing.
digital tape recorder, provided for backup capability, can record received
This
information and reproduce this information for off-line processing.
recorder also makes it possible to check the input/output transfer performance of the PAM4GPl. The Ground Station is also capable of normalizing
all PAM data; i.e., by making use of the calibrate information in the pulse
train, the data information is normalized to the correct relative value,
system
regardle6s of amplifier gain drift, r-f deviation drift, or initial
setup inaccuracieswithin a correction range of-±30 percent.
This equipment, of modular construction for the most part and subject to
These units are not necessarprogramming is made up of 19 functional units.
ily physia-2l entities, but may be composed of certain modules or groups
of m=dules, the arrangements of vhich may change from one program to another.
Tbe PAK.GPl Ground Station is composed of the following major functional
components, which are housed in seven 14-inch relay racks:
i.

Video Circuits.

Clock and Raw Sync Separator.

Multiphase Clock Generator.

FYame Sequencer.

S~ibframe Sequencer.

Frame Sync Logic.

Subframe Svn, Logic.

Automatic Gain Control.

Digitizer.

10.

Output Buffer.

11.

Digital Record Electronics.

12.

Digital Reproduce Electronics.

1 April 1963

13.

Analog Circuits.

14.

Patch Panel.

15.

Power Supplier and Interlock.

16.

Digital Tape Recorder.

17.

Wideband Tape Recorder.

18.

R-F Detectors and Subcarrier Discriminators.

19.

Signal Simulator.

Tm-1146/000/00

The Ground Station performs these main functions:
1.

Accepts input data in the form of a 5-mc frequency-modulated
carrier.

Accepts input data in the form of a 30-mc frequency-modulated
carrier.

Provides the capability of recording, on magnetic tape, the
input data described in 1 and 2 above.

Allows for the capability of detecting the frequency modulation
of the input signals described in 1 and 2 above.

5. Allows for the additional capability of detecting frequencymodulated subcarriers in systems utilizing PAM-FM-FM.
6.

Provides the capability of supplying composite PAM video,
PAM clock, PAM frame sync, and PAM block sync to display
equipment.

Provides seven channels of smoothed (interpolation filtered)
analog outputs, which may be programmed to any desired channel.

Provides a minimum of eight channels of sample-and-hold analog
outputswhich may be programmed to any desired channel.

Provides the capability of performing the internal functions
required of a General Purpose Sync Separator and Digitizer.

The equipment accepts a serial PAM pulse train at a data-sampling rate
ranging from 500 cps to 40 kc. It can process a maximum of 256 high-frequency
channels. Four of these high-frequency channels may be asynchronously

A
1 April 1963

U.41146/000/0o

subcommutated to a maximum of 128 low-frequency channels; however, additional
channels may be subcommutated provided they are synchronized with one or more
of the asynchronous channels.
Seven smoothed analog outputs are provided. These signals are generated
by demultiplexing the PAM pulse train, passing the resulting PAM pulses
through an interpolation filter and then through an amplifier for amplification. The choice of the channels to be demultiplexed is performed on
the Program Board.
Eigtt sample-and-hold outputs are also provided. The choice of channels
to be sampled and held is performed on the Program Board. Each sampleand-hold circuit samples the level of a particular data channel over a
brief interval of time and then, through memory, retains this level until a
new sample is made available. Upon the arrival of a keying pulse that
initiates another sample, the output of the sample-and-hold circuit changes
to the new data level and remains at that level until a new sample is provided.
400-mc Receiving/Commanding Equipment. The 1OO-mc equipment is
2.2.2.4
used with the TU4J18 or T&D antenna subsystems to enable them to actively
track vehicles having 400-mc transponders. 'The feed systems of these antennas
are modified to accomodate the new frequency band. The equipment can furnish
error signals to null the antenna-positioning servos and provide auto-track
capability for the antenna at 400 mc. The dopplier shift frequency can be
extracted from the received signal to obtain range-rate information. The
existing precision synchros and encoder5 geared to the antenna axes provide
antenna angle data. The equipment can &ccept telemetry data from 4 00-mc,
vehicle-borne transmitters and can be us-.d for cormanding with vehicles
carrying 375-mc receivers. The modifications to the antennas do not affect
their capability to function at their originsl design frequency.
2.2.3
Data Processing Subsystem.
faces with the Telemetry, Tracking, and
Connect Panel. Direct contact with the
data 1ines. The principal uncmtions of
are the following:

The Data Processing subsystem interCommand subsystems through the Cross
SIC is maintained via the 1200-bps
the Data Processing subsystem

Accepts predicted acquisition and ephemeris data from the
STC and converts this information to continuous antennaý
position data far the tracking- station antenna systems.

Provides antenna-pointing data to the radar-tracking-subsystem
antenna drives and telemetry-subsystem antenna drives, via
the appropriate slaving busses.

Accepts tracking data from the radar-tracking subsystem and
provides tracking data for transmission to the STC.

1 April 1963

146/0oo/oo
IM-1

Accepts digital antenna position data from the telemetryantenna subsystem and provides data for transmission to the
STC.

Provides and accepts status and control data to and from the
Station Operator's Console (SOC).
Provides digital-command
data for modulating the radar, command transmitter, and telemetry
antennas commancL-modulation equipment, and provides analogcommand data to the radar-modulation equipment.

Processes telemetry data from the telemetry subsystems in
real time and postpass.

Performs control and monitoring functions for the Checkout
Subsystem.

Provides for generating the ETA and ETT in time displakyr on
the SOC.

9. Records selected data.
10.

Provides time comparison between vehicle and system time and
provides this to the STC.

Main components of the Data Processing subsystem are as follows:
1.

Tracking and Command (T&C)

Telemetry (TIM)

Input/Output Buffer.

Telemetry Data Processor.

Command Logic Equipment.

Station Operator's Console.

Computer Subsystem.

2.2.3.1
Tracking and Command Computer Subsystem (T&C).
The T&C computer
complex consists of one each CDC 160A Computer, CDC 169 External Computer
Memory, CDC 166 Buffered Line Printer, CDC 163-4 Magnetic Tape Unit, and
CDC 162 Typewriter.
The computer has one set of programs for real-time
(RT) operations and one set for non-real-time (NRT) operations.
Me RT
programs operate when the tracking station is servicing a vehicle. NRT
programs operate in the period between active servicing of vehicles.

I
1 April 1963

TN-1146/o10/O/

The following tracking and cosmanding functions are performed during RT.
1.

The RT Program uses standardized predicted acquisition data
messages (in station azimuth, elevation, and range coordinates) to provide slaving data to an acquisition synch converter for use by the Antenna subsystem. Each pointing data
message contains header data and data-point sets (azimuth,
elevation, and range) spaced at a uniform At between sets.
(At= 2n seconds, where 0 :n r 6). The RT program interpolates
the data to 20 sps and supplies it to the acquisition synch
converter for use under SOC control.

The RT program provides and accepts command data and status
to and from the Station Operator's Console (SOC), commands
and command data from the STC, provides digital-command capability, records significant events pertaining to analog and
digital commanding, and reports commanding operational status
to the STC. Provisions will be made to accept command verification from the FM/FM Ground Station (or the Telemetry
Data Processor) and echo signals from the CLE, when available.

The RT program reads data on azimuth, elevation, transverse,
range, range rate, control, and status (as supplied by the
antennas selected) through a digital data link, from the antennas
once each second for history records, and formats the selected
information for transmission to STC at a normal rate (or rate
selected by STC prepass or real time).

4. The RT program provides and accepts status and control data
to and from STC, the Station Operator's Console, and other
tracking station subsystems.
5.

The RT program accepts system time and vehicle system time
word inputs and provides timing and vehicle identification
display outputs. System time will be accepted from the
ground timing equipment and used in timing displays or for
time-tagging acquisition messages and command messages.
Vehicle system time and ground vehicle time offset shall
be accepted from the ground telemetry subsystem and recorded
and transmitted to STC, as required.

The RT program provides the capability for recording a history
of selected data. The history subprograms provides the capability to record and play back chronological records of command
actions (analog or digital) including initiations, transmission,
echo-check data, and vehicle reactions; tracking data; raw
time-tagged telemetry ; and other data, as dictated by operation

1 April 1963

nIM-116/ooo/Oo

requirements such as timing and SOC actions. This function
is also required of the telemetry operational program.
The following tracking and commanding functions are performed during NRT:
1.

The NRT program accepts new vehicle specifications, commanding
and pointing data from STC, and merges them with operation
tapes alroeady on hand at the tracking station.

If required, the NRT program enters a Playback mode, in which
history tapes are made available to the STC or for readout at
the station.

The NRT program performs schedule printouts, as required,
for station operation.

In some cases, the NRT program coordinates those SOC functions
involving system time, ETA, ETT, etc.

The NRT program coordinates the checkout programs, including
daily and prepass checkouts.

The NRT program arranges the real-time program in the specific
configuration determined by data sent from the STC.

The NRT program accomplishes the transition from non-real-time
to real-time operation,

The TIM Computer subsystem
Telemetry Computer Subsystem (TLM).
2.2.3.2
has the same basic equipment as the T&C computer complex; only the programming
is different. The TIM programs are divided into an RT set and an NRT set,
as are the T&C programs.
The following telemetry functions are performed during RT:
One telemetry data stream is accepted, time tagged, and recorded. Some of the
data are processed for local and STC real-time use and postpass analysis.
The telemetry program formats and compresses the data from selected channels
in real time, sends selected outputs to the STC, and locates command verification data. Compression modes will be provided as options in the computer
program. The telemetry points selected and the parameters of a processing
algorithm may be changed without loss of data. The telemetry mode may also
be changed during a pass but some data are lost during the change over.
During NRT ,the following telemetry functi ons are performed:
1.

New modes are accepted for telemetry compression.

1 April 1963

TM-11i46/Oo/O0

direction, specifying which mode is to be used on particular
vehicle passes, and merged with data already on the magnetic
operations tapes at the site.
2.

Scheduled printouts are produced, as necessary.

Transition from non-real time to real time is performed.

The capability exists to read and process raw telemetry data
from a digital history tape.

The 1OB provides for computer-pro
In.put/Output Buffer (lOB).
2.2.3.3
grammable input and output of digital data, in real time, to and from a
The computer Drogram sets the rate of input/output for
CDC 160A computer.
each datum and selects the input/output device and function at the correct
Computer interrupts are used to
time by the use of function-select codes.
trigger input/output functions of the computer program.
The IOB interrupts the computer by means of interrupt 10 for the Command Logic
Equipment (CLE) functions, which have the higheEt priority of any interrupt
in the TMC 160A. The 1OB uses interrupt 40 to interrupt the computer at a 20
Finally,
pps rate for timing inputs and outputs from the other equipment.
the lOB uses interrupt 30 for digital data link equipment inputs.
The 1OB transfers output data to the following equipment under computer
control:

CDC-160A Computer.

Station Operator Console.

Acquisition Servos for Slave Data Bus.

Command Logic Equipment.

Check-out Subsystem.

transfers input data from the following equipment under computer control:
1.

CDC-160A Computer.

Selected Antenna Position Encoders (Via Computer Digital
Terminals 1 and 2).

System and Vehicle Time Word and Offset.

1 April 1963

Station Operator Console.

Command Logic Equipment.

Checkout Subsystem.

TM-1146/O00/O0

The TDP interfaces between the
Telemetry Data Processor (TDP).
2.2.3.4
It accepts vehicle
telemetry subsystems and the telemetry 160A computer.
telemetry data from the GP-l(a), GP-l(b), FM/FM, and PCM telemetry subsystems. The TDP can select for input the system-time code word (STCW)
and a 122-bit input control word. With certain telemetry systems, the TDP
can send a 12-bit output (control) word to the station patchboard for transmission to the IOB. This word is used in communicating the vehicle command
verification to the commanding subprogram in real time.
The GP-l systems will input one 12-bit word/telemetry value to the TDP.
The FM/FM system will input up to 64 channels of analog values to the TDP;
a manually programwable plugboard permits sampling of up to 64 channels
(at a maximum rate of 25 kc) and digitizing of sampled data for the 160A.
The PCM system will provide one or ten unsynchronized data bits/12-bit
word(s) to the 160k- One pps is marked to in all telemetry data streams.
A receiver phase-loop, lock-.on bit is provided in the twelfth bit.
The 160A can select any one of the TDP inputs or outputs by programmed
execution of the appropriate function select codes. The TDP includes a
scanner, a digitizer, and a computer select unit. The scanner will be
capable of sampling the input from each subcarrier discriminator or decommutator in the FM/FM ground telemetry subsystem (or a maximum of 64
similar sources) at a minimum individual rate of 5 cps and a maximum combined
rate of 25 kc. The selectable rates and sequence of sampling the various
sources will be determined by a programmed patchooard.
The CLE processes inputs from the
Command Logic Equipment (CLE).
2.2.3.5
Station Operator's Console (SOC) and the T&C computer in order to control
the transmission of analog and digital commands to satellites via the command
transmission facilities of the antenna subsystems. The CIE has storage buffers,
logic circuitry, and function counters. It furnishes outputs to various
external equipments in the form of relay closures. It transforms parallel
digital commands from the computer to serial form for transmission to the
satellite.
For "analog" commands, the CLE translates the command number selected by
the SOC (two BCI digits) into two outputs corresponding to one of 15 commands.
When the "Trans,.L." signal is received from the SOC, these outputs are gated
to pick up two out of six relays and to hold them in an operate condition
for one second. These relay closures are used to tone-modulate the radiofrequency carrier that carries the command information to the satellite. A

1 April 1963

•m-_ll6/ooo/oo

command counter is stepped once for each "transmit" and the number of the command
transmitted is indicated on the SOC. Approximately 300 milliseconds after the
command relays close, a command echo check is returned from the transmitter.
This echo check consists of two out of six relay closures, held closed for one
The CLE compares the echo-check data with the cammand previously
second.
If not in agreement, the Command Error indicator on the SOC
transmitted.
is turned on, and further commanding is inhibited until the Command Error
indication has been cleared by the "Error Override" pushbutton on the SOC.
Also, about 300 milliseconds after transmission, a command verification
This
from the satellite is returned to the CLE via the FM/FM ground station.
consists of two out of six relay closures, held closed for one second, which
If they agree,
are compared with the transmitted command relay closures.
the verification indicator on the SOC is turned on and a verification counter
is stepped on count.
When the SOC goes into the Repetitive Transmit mode, the CLE retransmits
the same command once every two seconds until the "Stop Repetitive" push
button is depressed or until the total number of commands transmitted
The CLE stops repetitive
equals the repetitive number selected on the SOC.
transmission if a command echo check error is received. When the "Error
Override" push button is depressed on the SOC, the CLE resumes sending the
commands. A count of successful repetitions made is furnished
repetitive
by the CLE for display at the SOC.
Digital command messages are furnished to the CLE from the T&C computer.
The command mode, command number, reject level, and transmit order are
The computer
transferred from the SOC to the T&C Computer via the CLE.
extracts from memory the command word corresponding to the command number
and provides it to the CLE via the IOB, serially bit by bit, on a computerinterrupt basis. The rate of command-bit transfers from the computer to the
=LE is primarily determined by the sync PRF of the command transmitter (the
maximum rate being one kc), which also controls the command bit transmission
rate from the CLE to the command transmitter.
Echo check data are returned from the command transmitter to the CLE,
serially bit by bit, at the sync PRF. These data are sampled by the computer
and compared in the computer with the original command in memory, in real time.
An Echo Check error indication is made on the SOC.
A Command Verification indication (accept or reject) is returned to the CLE
after completion of each command word transmission, and is made available
to the SOC and the T&C computer via the IOB. The computer also monitors
the verification inputs for the occurrence of spoofs, which also are displayed on the SOC and recorded by the computer.
The various modes of analog and digital commanding are explained in detail in
Section 5.0,which also describes additional functions performed by CLE.

1 April 1963

M-i1146/000/00

The Station Operator's Console
Station Operator's Console.
2.2-3.6
(SOC) is the central control point at the tracking station. It is here that
the switches and displays used to monitor and control the tracking, telemetry,
There are 18 panels,
command, data handling, and other functions are located.
arranged in functional groupings, so that three operators can work the console
These operators
with a minimum of interference with each other (Figure 6).
are the Command Controller, the Antenna Controller, and the Shift Supervisor.
On the left side of the console is a group of panels involved with the
These are:
Antenna subsystem (Figure 7).
1.

Signal Strength Panel - This panel has two meters, which
display the strength of the tracking signals of the Radar
Four lighted displays
Tracker and Telemetry Tracker.
For the Radar
indicate the operating mode of each tracker.
Tracker, these modes are Locked on, Slaved, Search, and
Manual. For the Telemetry Tracker they are Auto Tracking,
Slaved, Search, and Manual.

Range Panel - This panel has a large, circular dial, which
shows the range in 20 n.m. increments out to 5100 n.m. The
dial has two cursors: one indicates range from the Radar Tracker,
and the other the range from the Computer Acquisition program.

3. Azimuth Panel - This panel has a large, circular 3600 dial,
The dial has three
which is divided into 20 increments.
(1) the Radar
cursors, which indicate azimuth derived from:
Tracker, (2) the Telemetry Tracker, and (3) the Computer
Acquisition program.
4.

Elevation Panel - This panel has a large, circular dial, which
displays elevation in 20 increments from 900 at the top center
The dial is not caliof the dial down to -200 on each side.
brated full scale.
The dial has three cursors, which display
elevation as derived from the same three sources listed for the
Azimuth Panel.

Antanna Control Panel - This panel has two sets of push buttons
and one set of indicator lamps. One set of three push buttons
is labeled "Directing Source" and offers three choices for
selecting the source to drive the system sync slave bus: (1)
The
"Computer", (2) "Radar Tracker", and (3) "Telemetry Tracker.
other set of four push buttons controls the starting and stopping
When the "Computer Control" push
of the acquisition program.
button is depressed, the acquisition program is under the
When the "Manual Control" push
control of the T&C computer.
button is, depressed, along with the "Manual Start" or "Manual

1 April 1963

47
(Page 48 blank)

T-116/000/00

ANTENNASHF
CONTROLLER
SECTION

SUPERVISOR
SECTION

-75

Figure 6.

Station operator's Consc

L346/000/00

SHIFT
SUPERVISOR
SECTION

Figure 6.

Station Operator's Console

COMMAND
CONTROLLER
SECTION

April 1963

T.P46/000/00

50 blank)
(Page 49

AZIMUTH

320

3 M R0 0
3M3

22X0
S100
2000
210

2 50

noN

~240,125
200,

RADARTRACKER

0RA
TL

Figure

SOC--Antenna Controller E

T-_146/ooo/lo

AZIMUTH

R
ft

TELEMETRY TRACKER

SIGNAL STRENGTH

ELEVATION

COMPUTER2P

RADAR TRACKER

1TR

0-0 I2W:
-10::

TRAANTENANARCTRACOE

DIRECTING SOURCE

ACQUISITIONPRGA

Fitgu~re

7. SOC--Antenna Controller Section

•

1 April 1963

51
(Page 52 blank)

TM-1146/Ooo/Oo

STEPPER SWITCH POSITION

110
SECONDS

I0
SECONDS

VEHICLE PROGRAMMER

COMMAND COUNT

ANALOG COMMANIE

VEHICLE VERIFICATIONS
WI-f'T"CN

r.E
_________S-TEPPEOR3SW2TC4

0vU

TIME TO RESET
TRANSMISSIONS

SELECT

IA"

VERIFC OW
U VSWIFI
CAT

COMMAND MODE

3MANUJAL
MANUAL

REPETITIVE

COMMI

NUMBER SELECTED

NUMBER SEI

SNRSI..

TRANSMIT MODE

Elr

NUM&ERSELECT

SINOLE
11EPE-T-ITIV
_PE

Figure 8.

SOC--Command

NUMBER S

Controller

TM-i2l46/ooo/0o

COMMAND STATUS

MPIiC
A"DN

B EET

COMPLETE

COMPUER
AUT

Ad=______

READY

REASY

ISTOP 7I
COMPUTER

COMMAODREJUECT~AEKRO

MAND COUNT

CEPMTITTV

ANALOG COMMAND VERIFICATION

COMMAND

STATUS

LE VERIFICATIONS

_WYE

O -

RANSUISSIONS

UonSect io

2EW

SEONus

WVY
RW

_______

RWIFCATION
VEMICTIiONUE

EPETITIVE"""

=COMMAND

MISER SELECTED

NUMBER SELECTEDCONCUTCLA

lUMSER SELECT

NUMBER SELECT

3OR

KEPRCRO

-mýREJECTý

TRAIUSMrC
LEVEL SELECT

ure 8. SOC--Command Controller Section

EESYN

I
i April 1963

M-1146/000/00

Start" or "Manual Stop" push button, the acquisition program is under the
control of the SOC operator. Two lighted displays indicate "Acquisition
Program Ready" or "Acquisition Program in Progress".
On the right side of the SOC is a group of panels involved with the commanding
and telemetry functions (Figure 8). These are:
1.

Command Status Panel - This is actually two panels, one above
the other, on the far right of the SOC. The upper panel has
two switches and three banks of indicator lights. The two
switches are "Computer Auto Stop," which stops the automatic
sending of the commands by the computer, and "Computer Command
Advance," which allows the command program to proceed when
a "Command Reject" has been received or the reject level has
been reached. One bank of indicators shows whether the computer automatic commanding program is "ready", "in progress",
or "complete".
Another bank shows the same three conditions
for a command sequence from remote console. The third bank
indicates whether the MCDU console is "ready" to transmit
a command sequence or whether the command sequence is "complete".
The lower panel has two parts: (1) a "Command Status" part,
which has two banks of indicators and a row of push button
switches; (2) a "Reject" part, which has a digital select
switeh, a digital "Count" display, and a "Count Clear"
push button switch. One bank has four indicators. There
is an "Analog Command Coder" and a "Digital Command Coder"
to show which type of cozmand the selected Radar Tracker
is prepared to send. The other two indicators light up if
either the number 1 or number 2 deco-mutator drops out of
synchronism. The second bank has seven indicators, as follows:
a.

"Verification Not Received" - Indicates that a command has
been sent but that nc
;rify cr reject has been received
from the vehicle.

"Command Accept" - Indicates that the vehicle has accepted
the last command and sent verification.

"Command Error" - Indicates that an error was made in the
transmission of the command.

"Reject Level Reached" - Indicates that the number of rejections of a command by the vehicle has reached the preset
level.

"Command Reject" - Indicates that the last command sent
has been rejected by the vehicle.

1 April 1963

24-•l146/ooo/oo

"Improper Command" - Indicates that the vehicle has
accepted an improper command.

"Spoof" - Indicates that a false verification was received
while the last command was being transmitted.

In the row of push button switches are: (1) "Manual Verify,"
which allows the command program to proceed when verification
of the last command was not received from the vehicle and there
was no "Command Error" or "Command Reject;" (2) "Error Override,"
which allows the command program to proceed when a "Command
Error" and a "Command Accept" occur simultaneously; and (3)
"Spoof Override, " which resets the "Spoof" indicator.
On the "Reject" part of this panel, the digital select switch,
"Level Select," has 100 positions, (0 - 99) which allows the
operator to select any number up to 99 for which a command
a
There is
will be transmitted and rejected by the vehicle.
"Count" display, which indicates, in decimal digits, the number
A "Count Clear" push
of times a command has been rejected.
button clears this indicator.
2.

"Radar Command Panel" - This panel controls a number of functions
and is divided into six groups of controls; these are:
a.

"Vehicle Programmer" group - There are four displays
Two indicators
pertinent to the Fairchild Timer Operation.
show whether the stepper switch in the vehicle is in the
"Increase" or "Decrease" position. A third indicator,
the "Reset Monitor," indicates whether the vehicle stepper
switch may be reset. The fourth indicator is composed
of five rotary drums, each of which has ten digital positions
(0 - 9); this indicator is used to display the system time
at which the reset command must be manually transmitted.

The next group is made up of two banks of push buttons:
the "Command Mode" switches and the "Transmit Mode"
These set up the commanding options discussed
switches.
in detail in Section 5.0. The Command modes are: Analog
Manual, Digital Manual, Computer Auto, Remote Enable,
The Transmit modes are: Analog Long,
and MCDU Enable.
Single, Repetitive, and Stop Repetitive.

The "Command Count" group has two 2-digit projection readout
displays. One, the "Vehicle Verifications" display, shows
the number of verifications received on the last ccomand
The other display, the "Transmissions" readout,
selected.

1 April 1963

TK-)-/O00/00

shows the number of times the last selected command has
been transmitted.
d.

The "Repetitive" group has a "Number Select" switch that
has 100 positions (0 - 99) which allows the operator to
select the number of times a conmmand will be repeated with
verification from the vehicle.
It also has a 0-99 projection readout display, which indicates the number of
repetitions of the comnand that have actually been made.
The "Analog Command Verification" group has two switches
and 15 split-legend indicators.
The switches are: (1)
"Primary Verification Source," which selects the tcne analog
output of the subcarrier discriminator for command verification.
The 15 split-legend indicators show, in one half of the split
legend, which of 15 possible analog commands have been
transmitted and show, in the other half, the vehicle verification of that command.

The "Command" group has a "Number Select" control consisting of two rotary drums with ten positions (0 - 9)
each, which allows the operator to select one of 99 cosmmands
stored in the T&C computer.
A "Number Selected" display
shows the number of the comand or block transmitted.
The "Transmit" push button, which initiates all command
from the SOCis also in this group.

"Telemetry Readout" Panels - There are two panels, each having
six meters with a full-scale calibration of 0 to 10, in increments of 0.2.
Selected telemetry points in analog form
can be displayed on these meters. Above each meter is fastened
a piece of white formica, on which the identity of the telemetry
point selected may be written in with grease pencil.

"Stepper Switch Position" Panel - There are two meters on this
panel-, which indicate the positions of the first
and second
stepv'ev switches in the Fairchild Timer in the vehicle.
The
"10 Seconds" display indicates the position of tne first
stepper switch and the "110 Seconds" display indicates the
position of the second stepper switch.

Grouped in the center of the SOC are the seven remaining panels, which "ontrol
the functions that would normally be the responsibility of the Shift Supervisor
(Figure 9).
Here are located Liuch functions ts vehicle selection and assignment, equipment status, system configuration, system time and testing facilities.
These seven panels are:

1 April 1963

57
(Page 58 blank)

TM-1146/OOO/OO

EQUIPMENT STATUS

CURRENT VEHICLE
ETT
SECONDS

*oooc coo

mocr 11.i;
0

CUScc"0

0NONCN*

WTL00000NOO

,..

ETA

I'A

NEXT ETT
VEHICLE

SSE CONFIGURATION
OFGRTO
SYSTEM
TELEMETRY

SECONDS

COMD/7RA,•K

ETA
SECONOS

NUMtBE R

CURRENT VEHICLE==
NUMBER

==STATION BOARD
NUMBER

TSELECTr

TELEMETRY BOARDm
NUMBER

ENTE*

DATA TRANSMIT

ELAMP TESTm

ýSTATION STATUS•

Figure 9.

SOC-0Shift SuV0

Tm-1146/oOO/0O
EQUIPMENT STATUS

lat
ON
liTn

SYSTEM TIME

•

01 OIITI
011(0(

TELEMETRY READOUTJ

- E40
-E
TELEMETRY READOUT
AUTOMATIC

LOOP TEST

SYSTEM CONFIGURATION
COMO/0RACK
-ELEUETRY

..
TO
lO100

0...'

-- 101
01 ITO-+

102

1000|0

.. ... . . . .. .--

IAil..

SOON

•

Figure 9.

Section
SOC--Shift Supervisor

1 April 1963

TM-ll46/000/O0

Current Vehicle Panel - This panel has two 5-projection readout
displays which show the total seconds remaining until time
of acquisition ("ETA") and the total seconds remaining to
track ("ETT") the current vehicle.
These displays are driven
by the T&C computer.

Next Vehicle Panel - This panel has the same "ETA" and "ETT1"
displays as the Current Vehicle panel, but they are used for
the next vehicle.
The next vehicle number is selected by a
"Number Select" control, which has four 10-position rotary
drums and is located on this panel.
The vehicle number is
entered into the T&C computer via the IOB by means of an "Enter"
push button, also located on this panel.

Equipment Status Panel - This panel has 12 pairs of lighted
indicators for the following 12 station subsystems.
These
status indicators are furnished to the SOC by manual switch
closures made at the various equipments.

Telemetry Computer.

Tracking and Command Computer.

Command Logic.

Telemetry Data Processor.

Computer Communications Converter # 1.

Computer Communications Converter # 2.

Input/Output Buffer.

Radar Tracker.

Telemetry Tracker.

FM/FM Ground Station.

PJAM Ground Station.

Timing.

System Time Panel - System time is displayed on 5 projection
readout units, which indicate the system time in total number
of seconds accumulated in a 24-hour day to the nearest second.

I April 1963

U&-ifJ6/ooo/oo

System Configuration Panel - Ihis panel has 28 indicators,
which operate from inputs derived from the Station Program
Board and the Cross Connect Panel. The indicators show
which equipments are assigned to the tracking station equipment
complex under control of the SOC.
The remaining equipments
will, of course, be assigned to the other SOC or held as spare.
Thus, for the station telemetry configuration, there are
indicators for two TDP's, four 160A computers and four CCC's
(each half of a CCC is listed separately because the TIM computer
could be assigned to either half).
For the command and tracking
configuration, a similar set of indicators exists, showing
computers CCC's and CLE's.
Other equipments listed are Radar
Trackers 1 and 2; TLM Trackers 1, 2 and 3; FM/FM Ground Stauion
1 and 2; and PAM Ground Stations 1 and 2.

Automatic Loop Test Panel - This panel has two switches: one
starts the automatic loop test and the other interrupts it.
There are five pairs of "Go" and "No Go" indicators, one pair
each for the computer, radar tracker, TIM tracker, FM/FM Ground
Station, and the TDP.
A sixth pair of indicators shows whether
the simulatc r is "Ready" or "Not Ready".

Most of the panels discussed above have spare indicators and switches to allow
for additions and reconfigurations.

2.3
COMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT
Certain equipments are associated with the 1200-bps data lines and are common
to the STC and all the tracking stations.
These equipments are:
1.

Computer Communications Converter.

Modulator and Demodulator Terminal Equipment (MODEM).

KI-13 Cryptographic Machine.

Automatic Resynchronizing Equipment (Auto.Resync).

2.3.1
Computer Communications Converter (CCC).
The CCC is the interface
device that makes the 160A computer parallel, Input/outrat, word format
compatible with the serial input/output requirements of the 1200-bps data-line
terminal equipment.
The CCC is used at both ends of the 1200-bps data lines.
At the STC, it interfaces with the 160A Bird Buffer.
At the tracking station,
it handles data to and from both the T&C computer and the Telemetry computer,
interchanging a word with each computer alternately.
Just as the 1200-bps line
has a full duplex capability, so does the CCC; its sending and receiving
functions are completely independent.

. April 1963

Tm-146/ooo/oo

The CCC has four modes of operation: (1) Sending, (2) Receiving, (3) No
Data, and (4) Resync. Only the Resync mode excludes the other modes.
In the Sending mode, when a computer has a word to transmit to the other
station, it sends a transmit request to the CCC, followed by a 12-bit data
word. The CCC also provides an interrupt to the computer at the end of each
data transmission cycle, which may be utilized by the computer to assure
proper timing of data transfers to or from the CCC. Four control bits are
added to the word for identification of the source and destination of the
word, for parity check, and for synchronization. The resultant 16-bit
word is then passed to the 1200-bps line terminal equipment. An internally
generated resync word is sent after each 128 words.
In the Receiving mode, the 16-bit word is stripped of its 4 control bits
and placed serially into the output register, where it is ready for parallel
transmission to the proper computer. The CCC furnishes an interrupt to the
computer which will accept the word.
The No Data mode is entered when there is no word to be transmitted by a
computer. Where a CCC is interfaced with two computers, and one computer
has no word to transmit, the CCC accepts alternate words from one computer,
after sending an interrupt to the non--transmitting computer each time its
turn to transfer a word comes up. When there is no word to be transferred
from either computer, the No Data mode is entered and the CCC generates an
internal word for transmission to the CCC on the other end of the line.
This self-generated word is used to keep the system in synchronism, and is
not transferred beyond the CCC.
The Resyn- mode is entered when the system drops out of synchronism. In
this condltion, sync data words are exchanged by the two CCC's at each end
of the line. The 128--word counters are reset to zero when synchronism is
reestablished and the CCC's enter one of the other three modes.
The inter2.3.2
Modulator and Demodulator Terminal Equipment (MODEM).
Station Communication Modulator and Demodulator (MODEM) Terminal Equipment
is designed to interface the 1200-bit data lines to the high-speed cryptographic
equipment (KG-13).
Each duplex line that is used to communicate with the STA
will require a MODEM at each end of the line.
The MODEM is used at the transmitting terminal to transform the input digital
data into a form suitable for transmission over voice-communication circuits.
At the receiving terminal, the MODEM restores the information to its original
digital form. In addition, the MODEM supplies a bit-rate timing pulse to the
KG-13, Auto-Resync, and Computer Communications Converter (CCC) equipment,
and is capable of operating between 0 and 50,000 bits per second.

1 April 1963

T-1l 4 6/ouo/oo

2.3.3
KG-13 Cryptographic Machine.
The KG-13 is a cryptographic machine
that is used on the 1200-bps line. The KW-26 cryptographic unit will be
standard equipment for the lOO-word-per-minute teletype line.
The KW-26
does not require the MODEM to interface it with the teletype transmission lines.
The word length that the KG-13 can handle is limited to 16 bits. A
length of 16 bits has been selected as a standard transmission word
for the Augmented System. Of these 16 bits, only 12 can be used to
data. The other 4 bits are used by the Inter-Station Communication
as control bits.

word
length
transmit
System

The Auto-Resync
Automatic Resynchronizing Equipment (Auto-Resync).
2.3.4
Equipment is part of the Inter-Station Communication System.
It is used to
check, sense, and perform the commands and routines necessary for maintaining
This
the integrity of the transmitting and receiving cryptographic equipment.
equipment interfaces with the KG-13 and the CCC, via the Communication Data
Select and Cross Connect Unit (CDSCCU) and MODEM.
Normal use of the KG-13 requires manual intervention to place the equipment
back on the line if., for some reason, improper line response has been detected.
The amount of time to manually resync a single KC-13 would probably be
acceptable: but if,
for some retor,, a power fluctuation should occur and two
or more Ko-13's lose sync, the resyncing time 1¢ould be intolerable.
It was
for this reason that the Auto.Resync unit was designed to take over the manual
resynchronization job.
The Auto-Resync Equipment Is designed to perform the following functions:
1.

Interface with the Inter-Station Communication System equipment
at operating Tates of between 0 and 50,000 bits per second.

Originate a resynchronization when (1) phase lock is lost or
(2) in response to a coimnand from the CCC or from the remote
Auto Resync Unit.

Respond to a request from a remote Auto-Resync,
KG-13.

Tally and li._o the number of resync operations.
is variable and is controlled by security.

Verify the validity of resync before releasing the circuit
for data operation.

Prohibit the transmission of data into or out of the KG-13
equipment.

Give an indication whenever

a resync operation is

the CCCor the
This limit

in progress.

1 April 1963

-m- ,146/uuu/uO

The Auto-Resync is considered to be in its Operate mode when it is in a
On command, the Autoquiescent state (the ED-13 is in a Transmit mode.)
Resync will be switched into a Resynchronization mode or to an Alarm Check
mode. After performing the functions necessary to satisfy the conditions
that may exist, it will, if possible, revert back to the Operate mode.
Should it fail to obtain a resync condition, an alarm will be given, via
the CCC, to the cryptographic operator and to the Bird Buffer.

1 April 1963

3°0

TRACKNG FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3o1

GENERAL

TK- 3146/ooo/oo

Tracking stations are the sensing elements of the SCFo All satellite data
enter the data processing system at the STC through the tracking stations.
Data transfer between the STC and a tracking station is effected by a CDC
160A Bird Buffer computer at the STC and the two CDC 160A computers at the

tracking station, via the 12CO-bps line. One of the two CDC 160A computers
at the tracking station processes all tracking data; it is called the
Tracking and Command (T&C) computer. The other CDC 160A processes telemetry
data. There are two modes of operation by which the Bird Buffer interacts
with a T&C computer. One mode, called the Satellite-Contact mode, provides
real-time support for a satellite. The other mode, the Non-Satellite-Contact
mode, effects such non-real-time functions as transmitting-antenna-pointing
information, inter changing administrative messages, and forwarding schedule
information. Both modes of operation are used in the tracking function.

3.2

PREPASS MESSAGE

A few hours prior to an exoected station contact with a particular satellite,
an acquisition message is sent from the STC to the T&C computer at the
tracking station. This message will have been generated by a 1604 computer
at the STC, using all available known and calculated orbital information on
the particular vehicle to be tracked. These data are then passed to a Bird
Baffer vla the 1615 tape unit and are sent to the tracking station during
At the tracking station, the
operation in the Non-Satellite-Contact mode.
acquisition message is stored in the magnetic tape memory of the T&C computer.
This message specifies the tracking and telemetry antennas to be used, and
the antenna driving information, which consists of azimuth, elevation, and
range in local coordinates for successive equal-time intervals over the
duration of the pass.

In addition to the prepass acquisition message, an administrative message
is sent, which specifies the passes or portions of passes during which the
station for each pass is specified, including the number of the pre-wired
patchboard that will be used and the manual switch actions that are to be
taken.

3.-3

ACQUISITION

Five minutes before the scheduled time for the first pass, the SOC operator
at the tracking station will switch the slave-data message from the tracking
computer to the slave-data bus. These data position the tracking radar
antenna in azimuth, elevation, and time to the predicted acquisition point for
the vehicle. They also stert the raster scan in a search for radar-return
signals from the vehicle. If acquisition is not made at the acquisition

1 ApIr

1963

3°0

TRACKING FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

3o1

GENERAL

x-1iJ46/uuu/oo

Tracking stations are the sensing elements of the SCF. All satellite data
enter the data processing system at the STC through the tracking stations.
Data transfer between the STC aud a tracking station is effected by a CDC
160A Bird Buffer computer at the STC and the two CDC 160A comuters at the
tracking station, via the 1200-bps line. One of the two CDC 160A computers
at the tracking station processes all tracking data; it is called the
Tracking and Command (T&C) computer. The other CDC 160A processes telemetry
data. There are two modes of operation by which the Bird Buffer interacts
with a T&C computer.

One mode,

called the Satellite-Contact mode, provides

real-time support for a satellite,

The other mode, the Non-Satellite-Contact

mode, effects such non-real-time functions as transmitting-antenna-pointing
information, inter changing administrative messages, and forwarding schedule
information. Both modes of operation are used in the tracking function.
3.2

PREPASS MESSAGE

A few hours prior to an expected station contact with a particular satellite,
an acqujisition message is sent from the STC to the T&C computer at the
tracking station. This message will have been generated by a 1604 computer
at the STO, using all available kniown and calculated orbital information on
the particular vehicle to be tracked.
These data are then passed to a Bird
Buffer via the 1615 tape unit and are sent to the tracking station during
operation in the Non-Satellite-Contact mode.
At the tracking station, the

acquisition message is stored in the magnetic tape memory of the T&C computer.
This message specifies the tracking and telemetry antennas to be used, and
the antenna driving information, which consists of azimuth, elevation, and
range in :Local coordinates for successive equal-time intervals over the
duration of the pass.
In addition to the prepass acquisition message, an administrative message
is sent, which specifies the passes or portions of passes during which the
station for each pass is specified, including the number of the pre-wired
patchboard that will be used and the manual switch actions that are to be
taken.

3.o3

ACQUISITION

Five minutes before the scheduled time for the first
pass, the SOC operator
at the tracking station will switch the slave-data message from the tracking
computer to the slave-data bus. These data position the tracking radar
antenna in azimath, elevation, and time to the predicted acquisition point for
the vehicle,
They also start the raster scan in a search for radar-return
signals from the vehicle. If acquisition is not made at the acquisition

1 April 1963

TM.1146/O00/00

point at the predicted time, the tracking radar follows the predicted orbit,
and continues the raster scan about the predicted point, until the vehicle is
acquired.
During acquisition, the error developed by the raster scan is
driven to zero by the servo loop of the tracking radar, which signifies that
When this stage is reached, the trackthe antenna is pointed at the vehicle.
radar "locks-on" to the vehicle, the predicted acquisition data are removed
from the slave-data bus, and the tracking radar begins to supply the antenna
For a period of five minutes
driving information for the slave-data bus.
after acquisisti.on, the tracking data will be compared with the predicted data
The results of this
from the acquisition message by the tracking computer.
comparison are available only at the tracking station and enable the operator
to determine whether the actual tracking data and the predicted data are in
If they are not, he must determine whether the fault is local with
agreement..
the tracking radar or whether inaccurate acquisition data were furnished by
the STC.
In the former case, local correction is made; in the latter case,
the STC is notified of the error by means of an administrative communication
channel (telephone or teletype).
3. h

TRACK HISTORY

Digitally coded tracking data, taken from the tracking radar and one telemetry
There, the data are compressed
tracker, are stored in the tracking computer.
These data are not printed out at
and sent to the STC in close-to-real time.
the Bird Buffer but are passed to the 1615 tape units for storage, where they
This program fits
are available for the 1604 orbit determination program.
tracking data from various tracking stations together to find and update the
vehicle ephemeris for the preparation of acquisition messages.

i April 1963

4.O

TELE4ETRY FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

4.1

G(MERAL

0M41U46/000/00

It is of vital importance to the satellite research and development programs
serviced by the Augmented SCF that adequate and reliable telemetry processing
The Augmented SCF is designed to provide these
facilities be available.
facilities with a degree of flexibility and automation not hitherto obtainable.
A unique feature of the Augmentation program is that selected telemetry data
received from the satellite vehicle are processed in real time and displayed
in the proper engineering units to the Test Controllers, at the same time that
This is a
the reported events in the vehicle are actually taking place.
decided advantage to the technical personnel directing the various programs.
The capability exists to change the parameters of a processing algorithm or
to zhange the whole telemetry mode during a pass; however, the latter change
occasions the loss of some data during the time the new program is being
Telemetry operations are under the control
read into the processing computer.
of the Test Controllers at the STC and the need for the relaying of information by telephone from the tracking stations to the STC is reserved for
emergency equipment failures or unusual. situations.
4.2

TEI2MERY PROCESSING OUrPUTS

The STC provides telemetry processing instructions to the TIM 160A computer
at the tracking station and provides printout format instructions with
conversion units to the Bird Buffer. The tracking station receives telemetry
processing inputs from the prepass module, SPREP, at the STC in the form of
instructions on which telemetry points are to be processed, what algorithms
are to be used with each telemetry point, and other telemetry processing
'Me Bird Buffer receives telemetry data inputs from the tracking
information.
ý+-tion and receives processing instructions from the 1604 pertaining to
the printer formats and conversion routines to be used.
Outputs to the tracking station and the remote printers are provided by the
STC during the following operational modes:
1.

Preflight mode.

Prepass mode.

Real Time Telemetry Processing mode.

During the Preflight mode, the 1604 (or an offPreflight Mode.
4.21.
line computer) generates, from punched-card input, a library tape containing
files of mode-specific information. A mode is defined as a specification to
the tracking station of the following telemetry information:

2l4-1146/OOO/OO

1 April 1963

Selection of the ground station patchboard.

Number of TIM link.

Processing priority.

Format for transmission on the 1200-bps line.

Algorithms to be used.

Scanner & Digitizer patchboard parameters.

During the Preflight mode. the conversion routines and remote printer formats
are specified to the TIM Processing mcdule.
Each flight may have several modes because the telemetry parameters, algorithms,
and sampling rates may change from pass to pass. Telemetry information containing the mode-specific information generated during preflight by the 1604
program would be:
1.

Preflight TIM messages for each station.
modes of the satellite.

Information for all

Scanner & Digitizer wiring instructions for all modes.

Conversion and printer tables for the TIM Processing module
at the STC.

Upon request, the Bird Buffer transmits the telemetry processing information,
previously stored on the Prepass Tape by SPREP, to the tracking station TIM
160A. The tracking station then performs the necessary functions, as instructed by the preflight telemetry processing information. The T1M 160A has
available the necessary information for processing the telemetry data for all
modes of the flight. Conversion instructions and printer formats for each
mode are available to the Bird Buffer.
4.2.2
Prepass Mode. A card input to the Bird Buffer specifies to the
tracking station what mode to use before each pass and generates a mode
selection message. Upon confirmation from the TIM 16OA at the tracking
station that it is prepared to operate in the correct mode, the STC Prepass
module reads into core the appropriate mode-specific data for the remote
printer format and conversion units.
During a pgss, the TIM 160A
4.2.3
Real Time Telemetry Processing Mode.
transmits to the Bird Buffer three types of FM/FM telemetry: (1) "Fixed
Format" Telemetry Parameters, (2) "Event" Telemetry Parameters, and (3) Status
and Alarm Messages.

1 April 1963

TM-1146/000/00

"Fixed Format" Telemetry parameters are printed out once every second and
occupy a fixed position in the printer format.
"Event" telemetry parameters
are printed out as they occur and are identified as to the parameter name or
number and the time at which the event occurred.
Status and Alarm Messages
are printed out as they occur and are printed out in the same area of the
printer formats as "Event" type parameters.
During real time, it is possible to change the parameters of algorithms
being processed at the tracking station TIM 160A by a card input to the
Bird Buffer.
Details of the telemetry processing instructions sent by the Bird Buffer to
the tracking station, and the telemetry processing and formatting at the
Bird Buffer, are discussed in Reference 4.
4.3

TELEMETRY MODULES AT THE STC

The Prepass module, SPREP, keeps an updated prepass tape of telemetry processing tables and telemetry mode information. SPREP. upon request, sends the
prepass telemetry processing data to the tracking station.
If a change In telemetry selection is requested during bird contact, SPREP
reads in the appropriate telemetry processing tables from the first
files of
the prepass tape.
The telemetry processing tables needed for bird contact are
located in the first
files to minimize tape search.
SPREP obtains its telemetry
information for its prepass tape from either the 1604 computer or through
manual inputs. The telemetry processing tables and telemetry mode information
messages, which are not pass specific, are made up by a 1604 program preflight
and stored on the prepass tape by SPREP.
New modes should be carefully
validated before they are used, however,
The Telemetry Processing module, STEPP, generates a table of instructions
describing the printer format and conversions to be used by the Bird Buffer.
STEPP accepts Lelemetry data from the tracking station, performs the necessary
conversions, and prepares specific telemetry parameters for printout on the

166 printers.
4. 4

DATA FLOW AT THE TRACKING STATION

A block diagram of the FM/FM Ground Station used with Augmented SCF tracking
stations is shown in Figure 10. Outputs from other telemetry sources (GP-l's
and PCM) are shown as inputs to the Switching Matrix.
Telemetry signals
transmitted from the satellite are received by the TIM antenna, pass through
the pre-amp and multicoupler, and are sent to the FM receivers.
The multicoupler provides an r-f composite signal of all TIM links to usually four
FM receivers.

•1 April

69
(Page 70 blank)

TM- 146/0O00/O0

Dl(RM

TTIO18

F
AAT
~~I/OI^
AND/FD

TE IN VDR
LINK
FIANDT10CCS
DII
/FM GROUNDR
• AAIOH
PROBSSA•C
CTARDST•I
ANHA/M FHANNE
FBOAUNRDATO
IIAIN

OBlifl

CLI~~RO
MGONSODA
TOR
BOARD
AND

W11ATIOION

FON.

DPULECOIDTA
ODFULOA
PE
NE F
N

ROANAI6X
R'l

DE(PTO•
M--lFIlGO

_ND

SATONT

GROUN STATION3FIO

OD';IIAINfF

T~I.IY

IIA

TYEWRIT
ROM

GP- I#()

CCC36A

DAGITL

CDC163
CDC13-()

fEWIE
'uC(a
I CATED CCC~~CCFUF
9U4MIC TAP DATAHELC&
VN E

CDCW10

COMPIUTER
(E8K)

SrOSS0C

TELETFRM (IFl BOU
•
P
COMPUTER
(8K)
AIO CNRO

NUT
OF.IR

GNA

SH
L

604
1a5
N6ICTPEFR5
(DSS CNUME
NDICATE MENMR411LE

155(4EO

(I N DIGITAL

BIC NATE OF 2
ATCRI•N

GRUN

SI)U

ABBRVIA

40313

NOA

NcH

LDI'/AN

CDC

I0NF/
!ATMrF

NECI~_K,

CC*CCORS

ICC4MI

BADICESWP0ANN
CHA ANTENNA

FiBuY

0Ame)

Figure 10.

Augmented SCF

000/00

P
30NA~

MMao

INUT
30 DAETA.
A
ThW1
PO M
PATC~H
*4TTR
SIGSWITCHINGGT
BOAR

ISANNER &COMN
DIGITIZER

c1,

c16

CNDITONE

6ol

Figur

CDXC
163-2

UI
OM

CDCI
161

SELEC

(ANUAL)

TMoSGALAcT
M.

PUINCH[

T REDE

VERIFICATION
TNIcc1o,
MARXG1CRPTR

7SIGA

DAA

20.
BITSnt
SEP

Flo

CROSetr

COWa

1 April 1963

TM-1146/000/00

The outputs of the FM receivers are then routed simultaneously to the 7-track
analog tape recorders and the 18 subcarrier discriminators (SCD's).
Four
tracks of the analog tape recorder are used for recording the outputs of the
FM receivers (one to each track), while the other three tracks are used for
system time, reference signals, receiver signal strengths, and voice.
The
outputs of the SCD's are fed to a patchboard, where two commutated channels
selec•ted from the SCD's are routed to two decommutators.
Each decommutator
has the capability of decommutating 30 data points from each commutated
channel.
A total of 64 data pointb are fed into the Scanner & Digitizer
through the TIM patchboard.
The 64 data noints consist of outputs from the
rwc decommutators, the continuous channels the -eceiver signal strength lockon indicators, and other analog function
The 64 analog inputs can be sampled
at a maximum rate of 25 kc and a minimum rate of 5 cps.
The digitized outputs
cf the Scanner & Digitizer (8-bit words) can be fed into the Switching Matrix
together with three digitized inputs from the two GP-l's and PCM equipment.
The Switching Matrix manual patchboard outputs two of the four inputs to the
Computer Select Unit (CSU).
The TI24 160A. which controls the CSU, selects
one of the two telemetry inputs to the CSU for processing.
The telemetry data
are processed, compressed, and formatted by the tracking station generalpurpose telemetry program, TIMOP.
Information concerning the data points to
be processed. the specific algorithms associated with each data point, the
sampiing rates to be used, and other telemetry processing is sent, duriLI6
the preflight, prepass, and real-time telemetry-processing modes, from the
STC Bird Buffer by the Prepass module, SPREP.
The outputs of the TIM 160A computer (and the T&C 16CA) are controlled by
the Computer Communication Converter (CCC).
Outputs of the CCC are passed
through the KG-.13, MODEM, and then to the STC over the 1200-bits/sec
communicatl on lines.
4, 5

DATA FLOW AT THE STC

At the STC. data from the tracking station pass through the MODEM and the
&(1,-13:, and are received by the CCC and transferred to tho Bird Buffer.
At
the Bird Buffer, the Telemetry Processing module, STEPP, converts the
telemetry data to the desired engineering units and outputs preselected
data points on the various remote printers.
4. 6

TELEME'RY OPERATIONAL PROGRAM (Ti-IOP)

TLMOP is a general-purpose operational program for processing, formatting,
and controlling the transmission of telemetry data at the tracking staticns.
TI40P is, in general, non satellite-specific and can process each type of
data processed by the Telemetry Data Processor (TDP).

1 April 1963

TM-1146/Ooo/Oo

TIMOP operates in prepass, pass, and postpass functions.
The prepass function
is used to receive and process prepass instructions from the STC during the
Bird Buffer's p reflight and prepass modes.
The instructions contain information concerning telemetry processing, as specified by the STC Prepass module,
SPREP. The tracking station prepass program stores and prints out, upon
direction, prepass messages for each vehicle.
This printout could include a schedule of all vehicles and ETA's contained
in the prepass message.
During the pass function, which corresponds to the
Bird Buffer's real-time telemetry mode, TIMOP accepts digital telemetry data
from any one of four sources (TDP, two GP-l's, or PCM) and processes these
data in accordance with instructions from the STC.
TIMOP, during the pass
function, supplies a system-time code word (STCW) and the compressed telemetry
data to the STC. The following functions are accomplished in the telemetry
processing by TIMOP:
1.

Reasonableness checks of telemetry data.

Smoothing calibration points and normalization of data, if
required.

Compression of acceptable data and reporting of step function
levels, periodic time tagged data-point values, time-tagged
data-point minimum/maximum values, time of event, and other
functions as required.

The STC can request TIMOP to process different telemetry points and to use
different algorithms during a pass.
TU4OP can detect a command verification
in the digital telemetry input to the TIM 160A. TIMOP transmits this information to the STC and prints it on a 166 printer at the tracking -tation.
Command verification information may also be transmitted to the T&C 160A, if
required.
The data for the postpass program are obtained from either digital or analog
tapes recorded during the pass function and are transmitted to the STC
during the Bird Buffer's Real-Time mode.
The STCW on the tape corresponds
to the system time when the data were recorded.
The tracking station configuration and telemetry processing information during postpass is the same
as that specified during the pass function.
If desired, telemetry data can
be displayed on a 166 printer without transmission to the STC.

1 April 1963

5.0

Tm-li46/ooo/oo

COMMANDING FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION

GEERAL
5o1
The ability to control the functions of a satellite vehicle and its payload
Control of
is just as important as the ability to acquire and track it.
a satellite depends upon the ability to establish two-way communication
with it while it is in orbit. T.o-way communication is necessary to allow
the Test uontruotev Vo oend h.16 ..... =d:. to the sIatlite and to verify that
they have been received and executed. The requirements for cammanding a
satellite vary with the type of satellite and its mission. The means of
accomplishing the command function vary accordingly.
In general, commands are transmitted to satellite systems to perform the
following types of functions:
1.

Set or reset a Fairchild timer and shorten or lengthen timer
(The Fairchild timer turns equipment in the satellite
periods.
on or off at predetermined times.)

Send Stored Program Commands (SPC's) to turn equipment on or
off at the proper time.

Turn beacons, payload, or telemetry systems on or off with
Real Time Commands (RTC's).

Adjust or calibrate internal systems; initiate special events
such as engine ignition, separation, or recovery.

Different techniques are used to modulate the various transmitters used for
commanding in order to effect the transmission of commands to the satellites.
These are explained in detail in Reference 3. There are two main types of
analog systems and digital systems.
command systems that are of interest:
The analog systems utilize a three-pulse-group transmission, with command
information carried by time modulation of the center pulse. (See Figure 11.)
The digital systems use various forms of modulation, such as tone or pulse
spacing, to send a "one" or "zero" each time a pulse-code group is transmitted.
A succession of these binary bits form digital-command words, which the logic
in the satellite command package translates into relay closures at specific
times.
Two different equipments are used for communicating coands from tracking
stations to satellites. One is S-band (2.7-2.9 Kmc) command equipment used
The other is the UHF
with the Verlort and Prelort radar antenna systems.
(375-400 mc) equipment used with the TIM-18 telemetry antenna system and
the Telemetry and Data (T&D) antenna system.

n-I146/ooo/oo

1 April 1963

UJ
p3

I
I

I
I
I

-.t

t, can be set to one of six different intervals and is
-h
C.
used as the code address for a particular vehicle,
will not respond to pulse trains ha-:ing a different t,
interval.
Two linearly mixed audio tones are used to time-vary the
position of pulse P3 1 causing it to vary about its center
position by a maximum interval of ý t 3 .
p
P 2 , and P 3 represent the pulse train that modulates
It is repeated at the pulse repetition
tU~e transmitter.
rate of the transmitter being used for commanding.

Figure 11.

Analog Pulse Modulation Scheme

1 April 1963

TM-U 246/000/00

There are two different modes of operation for both Analog and Digital
In the
the Manual mode and the Computer Automatic mode.
commanding:
MAnual mode, commands are initiated by operations personnel at the tracking
station by means of switch actions at the System Operators Console (SOC).
In the Computer Automatic mode, commands are automatically provided and
executed by the •Thacking and Cm•'--u-nand (T&C) computer.
ANALOG COMMAINDING--MANUAL MODE
5°2
Four submode options are available in the Manual mode of the Analog
Commanding Syfstem: Single, Lcn.g, Repetitive,and Remote.
In the Single submode, the operator at the SOC sets a rotary switch to a
number representing one out of a total of fifteen possible commandso He
then closes the "Transmit" switch. The Command Logic Equipment (LUE)
Each
translates this into the closure of two relays out of bank of six.
relay determines a different audio tone for time-modulating the output
The
},ulses of the transmitter being used for commanding (Figure 11).
command package in the satellite has logic circuitry which translates the
Verification that the
two tones into one of fifteen different commands.
proper command was sent from the tronsmitter is made in the form of an
echo check,
-This echo check is derived by sampling the transmitted radio
frequency signal, demodulating it to recover the two tone modulating signals,
and ceverting them to a pair of relay closures, which are compared with
If the original command stored
the original re] ay closures by the CLE.
in the CLE and the command returned from the radio frequency monitor on
the command transmitter are in agreement, the CLE sends an "Echo Check"
If they do not check, a
indicator to the SOC and the T&C computer.
Further
"Command Error" indicator will be sent to the SOC and T&C computer.
commanding through the CLE will be prevented until the "Error Override"
Verification that the satellite has
switch on the SOC has been actuated.
received the correct command is made in the following way: relays in the
satellite that are actuated by the command signals from the command transmitter have contacts whi-ah are used to modulate channels in the spaceto-ground telemetry link; these channels are received by the ground equipment
and demodulated by the FM/FM ground station, which sends two relay closures
to the CLE for verification; the CLE compares the relay closures with the
original command-relay closures and sends an indicator to the SOC and the
T&C computer as to whether the command was received correctly or was in error;
and ditfplay lamps on the SOC, which are similar to the "Echo Check" displays,
indicate the status of the command.
Additional SOC displays derived from the CLE and displayed in decimal digit
format, are: (1) Comm&.d Number Selected, (2) Command Transmission Count
(number of times that the command was transmitted), and (3) Vehicle Verification
Count (number of times that the command was verified).

1 April 1963

24- Ll6/ooo/oo

The Long submode of the manual mode permits the operator of the SOC to
continue to transmit a command as long as he keeps the Transmit push
Otherwise, the functions and displays are similar to the
button depressed.
Single submode.
Operation in the Repetitive Transmit submode allows the SOC operator to
select, by switch action, the number of repetitions with verification of a
The CLE will repeat the
command which the CLE is to automatically make.
whole procedure described for the Single submode at the rate of one command
When the command repetition
repetition for each two-second interval of time.
number is reached, the command transmission will stop. The SOC operator
may stop the repetitive action by pressing the "Stop Repetitive" push button.
If a "Command Error" occurs on any of the repetitions, further transmission
will be inhibited. Transmission of the remaining command repetitions will
resume when the "Error Override" push button is actuated. All other functions
and displays are the same as for the Single submode.
The Remote submode is identical to the Single and Long submodes,
that command control will be executed from a remote console.

except

One satellite systemwhich uses a special console and special logic equipment
in the satellite, is able to handle more than the maximum number of 15 analog
commands.
This is accomplished by sending a sequence of three tone-pair
combinations, which the satellite equipment translates into a single command.

5.3

ANALOG COMMANDING--COMPUTER AUTOMATIC MODE
In the Computer Automatic mode, blocks of commands are stored in the core
These blocks are made up of RTC's arranged in
memory of the T&C computer.
the proper order for transmission to the satellite. (See Section 5.6 for
the description of how these commands are made up at the STC and transmitted
to the tracking station as part of the prepass acquisition message.)
The SOC operator, by pressing the "Computer Auto Command Mode" push button,
A switch action at the
places the system in the Computer Automatic mode.
SOC designates the number of the block of commands to be sent to the satellite
Actuation of the "Transmit" push button on the SOC initiates the sending
The
of the entire block of commands under the control of the T&C computer.
identification of each co~mnd sent, plus indications of echo checks completed
and verifications received from the satellite, will be displayed at the
Also, the T&C computer
SOC in the same manner as for the Manual mode.
Automatic transmission of
will make the usual records of command status.
commands will be inhibited if either an echo check or vehicle verification
Error overrid
check fails, and an alarm display will be activated on the SOC.
controls are available on the SOC to permit the operator to restart the autoThe computer command program may be stopped by
matic command sequence.
It can be restarted
nressing the "Computer Auto Stop" push button at the SOC.
by pressing the "Transmit" push button. Displays on the SOC indicate: (1) whe
the appropriate computer command program has been loaded in the computer and i

1 April 1963

Ti-ll'i6/ooo/oo

ready for transmission; (2) when the computer command program is in progress,
transmitting cosinands to the satellite; and (3) when the program has been
completed.

5.4
DIGITAL COMMANDING -- MANUAL MODE
Digital command requires more extensive use of the T&C computer than does
Analog commanding.
The T&C computer maintains, in its memory files, a repertoire
of RTC' a which will be used in the Digital Manual mode of commanding.
The
repertoire of commands is sent to the T&C computer, initially, as part of the
command portion of the initial
prepass message.
Subsequently, the reLoertoire
is maintained in a current status through the addition or deletion of commands
by later prepass messages. The SOC operator can call up a command from the
repertoire by setting the "Number Select" control on the SOC to the number
of the command desired and pressing the "Transmit" push button.
The T&C
computer, in response to the switch action, provides the corresponding digitalcommand word to the CLE, via the Input-Output Buffer (lOB), serially bit-by-bit,
on a computer-interrupt basis.
The CLE will output the command, serially
bit-by-bit, to the modulating equipment of the command transmitter.
The
transmitted signals are subject to an echo check, made by the computer,
which compares the echo returns from the command transmitter, bit-by-bit,
with the original command word stored in computer memory.
Echo check errors
will be displayed on the SOC and recorded by the T&C computer.
In the satellite
command package, the received command word will be checked for parity and
checksum.
If the word passes this combined check, the command is accepted
and the "accept" channel of the telemetry package is used to send a "word
accept" verification to the ground.
If the word check fails, a "word reject"
notification is sent to the ground via the "reject" channel of the telemetry
package. This acceptance or rejection of the command by the satellite will
be displayed on the SOC and will be available to the computer for recording.
Additional controls and displays that are available to the operator of the
SOC are:
1.

Reject Level Select Control--sets the number of times a command
will be automatically repeated when not verified.

Reject Level Display--inlicates the level selected by the
Reject Level Select control.

Reject Count Display--indicates the number of times a command
has been rejected.

Command Reject Display--indicates the number of the command
that was last rejected by the vehicle.

Command Verify Display--indicates the number of the command
that was last accepted by the vehicle.

Spoof Display--indicates that a false accept or reject signal

1 April 1963

Tm-l146/ooo/oo

was received from the satellite while a command word was in
the process of transmission.
7.

Repetitive Number Select Control-- sets the number of times
a command will be transmitted and verified.

Reject Count Clear Control--sets the Reject Level Display to
zero and allows the computer to resume the command transmissions
that were inhibited when the reject level was reached.

Four submode options are available in the Manual mode of the digital commanding
and
Single, Repetitive, Manual Control and Display Unit (MCDU),
system:
Remote.
In the Single submode of operation, a command will be transmitted and verified
If a
only once each time the "Transmit" switch is actuated from the SOC.
transmission is not verified, the T&C computer will retransmit the command
until it is accepted by the satellite, or until the reject level set by the
Operation of the Reject Count
Reject Level Select Control is reached.
Clear Control on the SOC will allow the computer to resume command transmission
after the reject level has been reached.
In the Repetitive submode of operation, the SOC operator sets the Repetitive
Number Select Control Switch to the number of times he wants a command to
The computer will continue rebe repeated and verified by the vehicle.
Other controls and
transmitting the command until this number is reached.
displays are the same as for the Single submode.
Only
The Remote submode enables a remote console to assume command control.
the Single submode type of operation previously described is allowed from
These controls and displays, identical to those on the
the remote console.
Command Number Select Switches,
SOC, will be provided to the remote console:
Transmit Switch, Error Override Switch, Reject Override Switch, Command
Verification Display, Command Echo Check Error Display~and Command Reject
The status of the remote console will be indicated on the SOC by
Display.
three displays: the Remote Command Ready, the Remote Command in Progress,
and the Remote Command Complete.
The MCDU submode makes provision for transferring command control to
A digital command, selected from one of six
the MCDU console (G.E. 702).
command switches on the MCDU console, will be transferred to an encryptor
The keyboard will transkeyboard, a security classified device in the CLE.
late the switch closure to a 7-bit command, which will be provided in
The computer will store the Command
parallel to the computer via the IOB.
in core memory and then proceed to output the command to the CLE, serially
Echo check
bit-by-bitat the synch PRF rate of the command transmitter.
The
on the transmitted command words will be handled in the usual manner.

1 April 1963

TM-IIa6/Ooo/OO

command selection made by the MIDU operator will be made available to the
T&C computer for recording. Two displays on the SOC will notify the SOC
operator of the status of the MCDU console; the MCDU Ready and MCDU Complete.
DIGITAL COMMAN DING-- COMPUTER AUTOMATIC MODE
.5.5
In the C-mputer Automatic mode, command control is transferred from the
The
SOC to the T&C co.mputer for the transmission of a block of commands.
Once
block of commands may consist of RTC's and SPC's (see Section 5.6).
the SOC operator has set the "Command Block Number" switch to the proper
command block number, and pushed the "Transmit" push button, the T&C comnuter
proceeds to send the entire block of commands to the CLE Yn proper sequence
Echo check and verifics~io" -re wie
for transmission to the satellite.
Automatic transmission wil] cease if verification
same as for the Manual mode.
in not obtained prior to reaching the present reject level. The SOC has
override controls available for both echo check errors and vehicle word
rejects.
Manual override controls permit the computer to retransmit or proceed to
the next command word w4hen the computer command sequence has stopped
because of an echo check error and verification, or when a word reject is
received, or if the word reject I vel has been attained.
STORED PROGRAM C41MM.NDS
5.6
A satellite-specific command program for each satellite system is available
in the computer library to enable a 1604 computer to prepare command messages
The programs format real time
for transmittal to the tracking stations.
commands (RTC's' and stored program commands (SPC's) in response to command
requests Initiated by operations personnel via the 088 nard reader, the 350
They determine auxiliary realpaper tape reader, or magnetic tape input.
time commands (ATC) to conurol the ?Kirchild timer operationas required
They also establish the relationship between
by some satelitte systems.
vehicle and system time, and determine delay line assignments for storage
of SPC's in the satellite memory.
Some time prior to the predicted time of a particular pass, the Test Controller, in preparation for the impending satellite operation, makes up
his command requirements on data cards, wnich are read into a 1604 computer
The 1604 then makes the necessary computations
via the IBM 088 ;ard reader.
that satisfies the Test Controller's requirements.
to compile a command list
A printout of the command listwith execution times and other pertinent
data,is furnished to the Test Controller by means of the 1612 printer.
and inserts such corrections
The Test Controller checks this command list
The 1604 then makes up a command
as are necessary via the 088 ward reader.
message in the proper format for transmission to the tracking station.
This message is stored in a 1615 tape unit with the rest of the prepass
acquisition message, which consists of commands, schedules, telemetry mode
processing parameters, and antenna pointing data. Figure 12 is a simplified

1 April

1963

TM- 116/0 0 0/oo

schematic of the inputs to and outputs from the 1604 during this operation.
When the Computer Switching and Cross Connect Unit (CSCCU), under control
of the Switch Control computer, connects the 1604 computer to a 160A Bird

Buffer through the 1615 tape unit. the acquisition message is transferred
to the Bird Buffer in the sequence of events described below and illustrated
in Figure 13.
The Test Controller inserts a function card into the CDC-167 Card Reader
associated with the Bird Buffer.

The Bird Buffer will test the 1604 commu-

nication flag to determine if the 1604 can be interrupted. (The 1604 cannot
be interrupted by the Bird Buffer while it is engaged in another operation.)
If the communication flag indicates the 1604 cannot be interrupted, the Bird
Buffer will print a message telling the Bird Buffer operator that it is going
into a loop until the 1604 becomes available, and what jump action shoula be
It will then enter a tight loop, continually
taken to abort the attempt.
testing the communication flag and the jump switch. If the flag is cleared
while the Bird Buffer is in the loop, it will notify the operator that the
transfer is starting and will interrupt the 1604. If the jump switch action
is taken before the flag is cleared, the attempt to communicate will be
aborted, and can be initiated only by another card input to the Bird Buffer.
The flag will be cleared for a three second interval at least once between
successive 1604 functions to allow interrupt by the Bird Buffer. If communication with the 1604 in real time is anticipated, the 1604 can be put
into an idle loop by means of a function card inserted by the 1604 operator,
and it will then "wait" for an interrupt from the Bird Buffer. When the
.1604 is free it will act on the interrupt and initiate the transfer. When
ready; the 1604 reads the first message (64 words) of the prepass message
into core and starts a core-to-core transfer from the 1604 to the Bird Buffer
by means of 1615 tape unit operating in the satellite mode. Verification
of the message transfer will be made for each message before proceeding
with the next message. Although the complete prepass message is checked
for parity and checksum errors, the command portion of the message will, in
addition, be subjected to a bit-by-bit comparison between the message transmitted to the Bird Buffer from the 1604 and the same message returned to the
1604 from the Bird Buffer for verification. The comparison is done by a 1604
program which, when it detects an error, will retransmit the message until
bit-by-bit correspondence is achieved. The 1604 then sends a verification
message to the Bird Buffer, which requests the next block from the 1604. This
procedure is continued until the complete verified command message is transferred to the Bird Buffer core. The Bird Buffer now transfers the prepass
message to tape storage (163).
It is read back into core from tape storage
and verified in the same manner as was the original transfer from the 1604 to
the Bird Buffer. After verification, the prepass message is held in the magnetic
tape unit until time to transfer it to the tracking station. At this point,
the 1604 is through with this particular message and all further handling and
verification will be accomplished by the Bird Buffer. The capability also exists
to read prepass information directly into the Bird Buffer command files from

1 April 1963

m-]3.16/ooo/Oo

Card Reader

088

1615

A~o4

Preneter
F 16a

Figure 12.

Command Message Preparation--Inputs and Outputs

1 April 1a63

u4-

'(i)

6/o0o/0o

.167-2
Card
Reader

(2)

i60A

(3)

Bird

(4)

1604
Computer

Buffer
Computer

_(_5_)

(6)
(7)
(8)

S(9)

Figure 13.

E163- 4

Initiate request for prepass acquisition message.

Interrupt and request for data.

3-4

Read command message into core from magnetic tape.

Transmit command message from 1604 to 160A.

Transmit command message from 160A to 1604
for bit-by-bit verification.

"Command message correct" verification.

8-9.

Store and verify message in 163 tape unit for
future transmission to tracking station.

Transfer of Command Message from the 1604 to the Bird Buffer

1 April 1963

TM-l

6/1000/00

Certain "vehicle specific" commands, which need to be available at
cards.
the tracking station for every pass over the station, will be sent only once
to the station, and will not be included in the prepass message for each pass.
A short time before a tracking station is scheduled to contact a satellite,
the switch control computer at the STC will connect the Bird Buffer to the
computer at the tracking station by means of the Communication Data Select
The operation of transmitting thc prepass
and Cross Connect Unit (CDSCCU).
acquisition message is initiated manually by operations personnel at the
tracking station by causing the two 160A computers at the tracking station to
send a "Real Time Near" message to the Bird Buffer. This is done about ten
minutes before the expected acquisition time of a satellite pass. Transmission of the prepass message may also be initiated at the Bird Buffer by
means of a function card. Additional data may be manually appended to the
command message at this time.
Transmission and verification of the command part of the prepass message
from the Bird Buffer to the T&C computer at the tracking station is handled
in a manner similar to its transmission and verification from Lhe 1604 to
The Bird Buffer will read the message into core from tape
the Bird Buffer.
The T&C
storage and initiate a core-to-core transfer to the T&C computer.
computer will check parity and checksum for errors and, if none are found,
will retransmit the command message, a block at a time, to the Bird Buffer.
A Bird Buffer program will make a bit-by-bit comparison for each message
When the complete prepass
before sending a verification for that message.
message has been verified in core memory at the tracking station, it will
then be transferred to magnetic tape, using the same verification schemc
When the complete message has been verified
employed by the Bird Buffer.
and successfully stored in the 163 tape units, a text message to that effect
will be sent to the Bird Buffer. The Bird Buffer will do the necessary
bookkeeping on its files to keep track of the prepass data that has been sent
to a tracking station so that only new information will be sent in the prepass message; old data referred to previous revolutions will be deleted from
the prepass data stored in the 163 tape units. Figure 14 shows the data flow
involved in this transfer.
Part of the prepass message is a text message which has the schedule for
the nominal times to transmit the various commands in the repertoire of RTC's.
This text message also contains command-specific instructions to the SOC
operator.

5.7

RFAL- TIME COWANDS

They may
Real-time commands may be initiated in a number of different ways.
be generated in a 1604 computer in response to card inputs from the Test Controller. Command messages may be input directly uo the Bird Buffer by card,
in which case they must be made up in the proper command message format.

1April

1963

160A

-i146/ooo/oo

3.61

yp rite
Trackin;
Cand

134

Ccimputer

()Buffer

Computer
at

Tracking_(5)

(6)

Station

STC

(7)
(8)

.. (9)

163-2

1.
Initiate request for prepass acquisition message.
2.
Request for data.
3-4. Rad command message into core from magnetic tape.
5. Transmit command message from BB to TWC computer.
6.
Transmit command message from T&C computer to BB
for bit-by-bit verification.
7.
"Command Message Correct" verification.
8-9. Store and verify message in 163 tape unit for future
transmission to satellite.
Figure 14.

Transfer of Command Message from Bird Buffer
to T&C Computer at Tracking Station

1 April 1963

Tn-1146/000/00

Commands may be initiated at the tracking station SOC, where capability
exists to call up commands from the command repertoire stored in the T&C
computer.
Some programs have special commanding requirements and for this
purpose, special "back room" consoles are provided from which commanding
is initiated and controlled.
Commands generated by the 1604 for real-time transmission to the tracking
station are handled in much the same way that the block commands previously
described are handled. They are made up by the 1604 from data tables, put
into proper messea

format,

nud trenrmitted to the Bird Buffer with the smm

verification procedure. However, as RYTVa can be sent only when the Bird
Buffer is Operating in the station contact mode, there is no need to store
the command messages on magnetic tape prior to transmittal. Instead, the
messages are transmitted to the tracking station immediately after verification
is received from the 1604. The command message is recorded on the 163 tape
unit along with all other data received or generated by the Bird Buffer system
while operating in a real-time mode. The same core.-to-core transfer and
bit-by-bit verification of command messages between the Bird Buffer and the
T&C computer is used for RTC's as is used for SPC's. Again, at the tracking
station, as at the Bird Buffer, the command message is not read into tape
storage but is stored in core, where it is available for immediate use.
5.8

COMMAND HISTORY

The command function, having such a vital part in the accomplishment of a
satellite's mission, requires special arrangements to insure that the commands
received by the satellite are accurate, and that their operational status
will be available for postpass analysis. Accuracy is maintained by the
elaborate verification procedures previously discussed, while the methods
used for handling command data insure th1at a complete record is preserved
of all commands sent. During real-time station contact between the tracking
station and the Bird Buffer, Command Operational Status Report messages will
be made up by the T&C computer and sent to the Bird Buffer. These messages
will be sent in near real time and will report the status of all commands
sent to the satellite. These messages w1.11 contain the following detailed
information on each command:*

Command or command block number.

Time of report.

Time command was transmitted.

Report number-=zreports will carry sequential numbers.

5. Status of command (where applicable):
From Reference 4, p. 60

1 April 1963

TM-uI46/O00/OO

Accepted or verified.

Wrong verification on analog command.

Digital command rejected.
If the reject occurs on a command
block, the number of step within the command block will
also be given.

No accept, reject or verification

Error was overriden by S0C action and command retransmitted.

Spoof--Spurious verify or reject received during transmission

A change in address, line, matrix, etc., was performed
in transmitting this command.
The new condition will
also be included.

An echo-check error was detected during transmission.
If the command was accepted by the satellite despite the
echo-check error, the image of the command will be sent
with a 'l" bit in the position corresponding to the bit in
error.

was received.

i.. The command sequence was advanced. This pertains to blocks
of commands and the number of advances will be included.
J.

The command in question is needed at the tracking station
but is not available and must be sent from the STC.
This
report may be the result of tape parity errors encountered
at the site.

In addition to the command data from the tracking station, all real-time
commands formatted and sent from the 1604 computer or originated by card
input to the Bird Buffer will become a part of the command record.
These
reports will be printed out in near real time for the information of the
test controllers.
The reports will also be stored in the Bird Buffer magnetic
tape memory.
In the post-pass period, the Bird Buffer will, on request,
search the tapes for these command records and will print out a collected
time-sequenced history of the commanding operations for that particular pass.

1 April 1963

8T3

•4-i46/ooo/oo

6.2
INPUT PROCESSING MODULE
This module provides the data required for the operation of the other SCHOPS
modules and maintains a history of the events which occurred during the
last scheduled interval. The module utilizes the following five types of
inputs:
1.

Orbital and tracking station
parameters.

Radio-frequency-interference (RFI) data on. satellites
controlled by other agencies.

Status .nf-rmation and descriptive data on the resources
of the satellite systems. the tracking stations, and the STC.
Logical parameters essential to operation of the scheduling

modules,

and subject to variation by the Mqlti-Opf

Controller.

Overrides by the Multi- Ops Controller which take precedence
over decisions of the scheduling p'ogram.

With these inputs, the module generates rise and fade times,
,.nd elevation, for each satellite and tracking station

with azimuth

6.3
CONFLICT PREDICTION MODULE
Using the data made available by the Input Processing module, this module
predicts the occurrence of four types of conflicts:
1.

Satellite conflicts--this type of conflict is the result
of more than one satellite requiring the services of a
tracking station at the same time.

Coverage conflict--this
ellite being in view of
conflict arises because
satellite can only work

Printer conflict--when more than one satellite of the same
flight program is being serviced by different tracking
stations, there is a conflict at the printer in the program
room if more than one Bird Buffer attempts to pass information to the printer.

RFI conflict--this conflict occurs when one or more SCF or nonSCF satellites are in close proximity to, and are transmitting
in the same frequency range as, a SCF satellite being serviced
by a tracking station.
This could result in radio-frequency
interference with the satellite-to-ground communications.

conflict is the result of one satmore than one tracking station. The
the Bird Buffer assJgned to the
with one station at a time.

I
I

April 1963

TM-1i46/oo0/O0
T39

The results of these conflict predictions are made available to the Conflict
Resolution and Output Processing modules for preparation of printouts.
6.4
CONFLICT RESOLUTION MODULE
This module resolves the satellite and coverage conflict situations described
above, and generates a listing of the resolved vehicle/station contacts.
Conflict resolution is done in three phases (I, II, and III) and is responsive to input priorities and to the value judgements of operations
personnel.
Phase I selection is based on mandatory pass coverage, as designated by the
Multi- ops Controller.
Phase II selection is based on computations to derive priorities for each
vehicle.
These priorities include:
(1) gain to the system resulting from
required frequency of contacts; (2) gain due to contact time; (3) gain for
specific contacts, independent of time; and (4) initial priority at the start
The algorithm for resolving conflicts in phase II
of a resolution period.
optimizes the priority function over the space of possible pass combinations
for each resolution period. The results produce a sharing of time between
satellites at single sT.ations and between stations for a single satellite,
depending on the type of conflict being resolved.
Phase III selection assigns the inactive vehicles to the remaining possible
service time, using vehicle-specific, constant priorities to resolve conflicts.
RESOURCE ALLOC'ATION MODULE
This module has three submodules:
(1) Transmission, (2) 1604 Scheduling,
and (3) Switch Scheduling.. 1The Transmission submodule allocates time for
communications between the B-rd Buffers and the tracking stations for the
Non-Real-Time node.
IJ -)ptimizF.ss t.he assignment of non-pass time, using message
requests, prlnrities, and other message related parameters as inputs.
The
1604 Scheduling suboodole assigns tasks to the four 160 4 's.
These tasks
consist of: (1) flight support operations (2) general support operations
such as scheduling and (3) non-support operations such as program validation
and acceptance.
The Inpui : are requests, priorities, pass-time, and other
parameter values.

6.5

There are two modes of operation in the 1604 Scheduling submodule.
One is
the Look-Ahead mode, which covers a long period of time.
The schedule which
is generated in this mode is used as a planning toolo The other mode is the
Short-Term mode; the schedule generated is the final working allocation of
1604 time.
The Switch Scheduling submodule allocates the SCF equipment to be used to
perform multi-vehicle support by generating a switching schedule for the
CDCCU and CDSCCU. An interim switching schedule is made up by merging a

1 •Aril 1963

Tm-il6/OOO/Oo

with the availability table
table produced from the Conflict Resolution lists
from the Transmission submodule and the Flight Support Computer Time Requirement table.
The final switching schedule is generated by combining the
A magnetic
interim schedule with the Vehicle Equipment Requirements table.
tape of the final schedule is prepared by the Output Processing module and
The Switch Control computer
hand carried to the Switch Control computer.
causes the CSCCU and CDSCCU to connect and disconnect the various station
and equipment in accordance with the prepared schedule.

(.6

LAUIICH PLANNING MODULE
J-is module is used to determine the optimum time to launch a new satellite
Yhe module predicts the number of conflicts that would be generated if the
vehicle was launched during each 10-minute interval of the launch window.
It lists the passes in which the conflicts occur, the nature of the conflicts
Two types of conflicts are corsid-•red, Satellite
and the vehicles involved.
The Output Processing ,udule prepares
and Coverage (see Conflict module).
a printout of this list
for the use of control personnel in planning the
best launch time.

6.7

OUTPUT PROCESSING MODULE
This module prepares outputs from the data generated by the other SCHOPS
of outputs
The list
These outputs are printouts or magnetic tapes.
modules.
prepared is as follows:
1.

Master Data Console Schedule.

Vehicle-Station Summary

Vehicle-Acquisition Schedule.

Vehicle-Switch Scheduie.

Station-Acquisition Schedule.

Bird Buffer Schedule.

1604 Allocation Conflict List.

1604 Short Term Schedule.

1604 Daily Usage Plan.

10.

Conflict Resolution Work Plan.

11.

Simulated Launch Schedule.

12.

RFI Conflict List.

1 April 1963

T-1146/ooo/Oo

6.8

SIMULATION AND DATA REDUCTION MODULE
This module faciii,.ates program checkout and permits study of special situations better specifi-d by non-standard inputs. It can furnish non-standard
outputs, such as the contents of internal tables, for purposes of checkout
and research and development data. It can generate distributions, compute
means and standard devwationicztablish correlations, and perform analysis
of variance. Its purpose is to complement analysis of data obtained by
simulation and data cntained from external sources.

6.9

CONTROL MODULE
This module maintains control over the other SCHOPS modules and directs
the sequence of operation of these modules.

Apri 1 !963

92
(last•;V•''

TM-i146/000/00

REFERENCES
1.

"Implementation Plan Augmentation Computer Programs", System Development
Corporation, TM-751/000/00, September 4, 1962.

"Augmentation of the USAF Satellite Control Facility" (U),
Corporation, TOR-930 (2110)-l, April, 1962. (SECRET)

"Satellite Control Facilities Capabilities Manual" (U), 6594th Aerospace
Test Wing, AFSC, Sunnyvade California. TWRDE-61-26, (CONFIDENTIAL)

"Bird Duffer Combined Milestone 3-4," System Development Corporation,
Th4-834/000/0A, Yebruary 11, 1963.

"Command System",

"New and Modiled 160h Computer Programs in Support of Augmentation-Milestone 3", System Development Corporation, TM-810, November 20, 1962.

"Data Handling Subsystem Specification",
N1ovember 5, 1962.

"Control and Display Subsystem Specification", Philco Corporation,
WDL,-98-204A-09, Au,-usL 10, 1962.

Aerospace Corporation, AS-62-0000-07768.

Aerospace

(SECRET)

Philco Corporation, WDL-98-2046B-09,

"Data Subsyctem Diagnostic and Maintenance Computer Programs Multiple
Philco Corporation WDL- TR1950, November 26,

Satellite Augmentation Program",
1962.
10.

"Scheduling Operations (SCHOPS) XMliiestone 4",
TM-(L)-795/000/02, February 7, 1963.

11.

"Augmented SCF Tracking Station Equipment Configurations Description" (U),
System Dcvelopment Corporation,

System Development Corporation,

TMQ(L)-.80/0C0/01,

March 1,

1963 (SECRET).

12.

"Milestone 3 for Contcol 160A Computer at STA",
Corporation, LMSC-656884, November 9, 1962.

13.

"Master Data Control Console Desiqn Specification",
Corporation, LaMD Spec. 1415194, September 6, 1962.

Lockheed Aircraft

14.

"Communication Data Select and Cross Connect Unit",
Corporation, LMSC -Spec 1415185, September 5, 1962.

Lockheed Aircraft

15.

"Computer Select and Cross Connect Unit",

UISC Spec 1415190,

September 5,

1962.

Lockheed Aircraft

Iockheed Aircraft Corporation

1 April 1963

93
(last page)

TM-1146/O00/00

16.

"FM/FM Telemetry Ground Station Subsystem Specification",
Corporation, WDI,98-2045C-09, August 16, 1962.

17.

"Telemetry Data Flow for the Augmented SCF", System Development
Corporation, TM(L)-949/000/00, January 14, 1963

18.

Philco

"Multiple Satellite Augmentation Program Tracking Station Computer
Operational Programs (Milestone 2 & 3)",

November 15,

Philco Corporation WDL-TR]931,

1962.

1;.

"CharuteriE5i.c
f uDhe Model 1W 4 Cc-•mnpter",
Publication No. 018 c, May 1, 1961.

20.

"Milestone h - MSAP Tracking Station Operational Computer Program
Design Specification", Philco Corporation, WDL-TRI957, February 4, 1963.

....
c÷)

ta Corporation,

TM- ll6/000/O0

1 April 1963

EXTERNAL DISTRIBUTION LIST
Space Systems Division
(Contracting Agency)

Pnl-E4 (GE-Box 8555)
J. S. Brainard

Maj.
Maj.

R. J. Katucki
J. D. Selby

C. R. Bond (SSOCD)
N. D. LaVally (SAFSP-206)

PIR-E4 (GE-3198 Chestnut)

6594th Aerospace Test Wing
(Contracting Agency)

Col. A. W. Dill (TWRD)
Lt. Col. M. S. McDowell (TWRU'
TWACS
PIRWE1 ( Lockheed )
J.

A. Boysen

N.
W.
G.
P.
G.

N. Epstein
E. Moorman
F. Vader
Eo.:l±•.
F. Taylor

PIR-F2 (Philco)

(10)

(20)

J. F. Butler
C. A. Cummings
H. D. Gilman
PIR- E4 (GE- Bethesda)
W. L. Massey
PIR-E4 (GE-Box 8661)
Fý T. Clark
J. D. Roger
Wo R. Wcinrieh
PTIR-.E5 i(Aerospace)

J. A. Bean

F. M. Adair

J. A. Isaaes

Morrison
R.
S. M. Stanley

J.i W. Bengston
Ro. V. Bigelow
P. 0. Brandsberg

PIR-E3 (LFE)

D. F. Criley
K. B. Williams
PIR-E4 (GE-Santa Clara)
D. Alexander
PIR-Eh (GF-Sunnyvale)

Bakst

L. H.

Garcia

G. J.
L, .J.
M. L.
T. R.
E. E.
H. M.
D.
R. G.
D. D.
V.

(3)
Hansen
Kreisberg
Luther
Parkin
Retzlaff
Reynolds
Saadeh
Stephenson
Stevenson
White

J. Farrentine
N. Kirby

PIR-E7 (STL)

A. J. Carlson
PIR-E8 (Mellonics)
F. Drudirg

(3)

TM-1146/000/00

1 Apil 1963

WINSOR, Me E.
E,
WINTER, J,
WISE# Re C.

22156
24117
22085

WONG. J. P.
ZUBRIS. C. Js

SUNNYVALE
24075

UNCLASSIFIED
System Development Corporation,
Santa Monica, California
AUGMENTED SATELLITE CONTROL FACILITY
SYSTEM DESCRIPTION.
Scientific rept., TM-1146, by S. Weems.
1 April 1963, 93p., 20 refs. 11 figs.

(Contract AF 19(628)-1648, Space Systems

Division Program, for Space Systems
Division, AFSC)
Unclassified report
DESCRIPTORS: Satellite Networks.
Programming (Computers).
UNCLASSIFIED

Describes the Augmented Satellite
Control Facility (SCF) from two points
of view:
first,
the equipment subsystems
are described in terms of their
capabilities, functions and primary
usages; second, the principal activities
performed by the SCF; i.e.,
telemetry,
tracking, commanding, and scheduling are
explained in such a way that the
previously described equipments are tied
together into systems, with emphasis on
the functional aspects of SCF operations.

UNCLASSIFIED

UNCLASS]IFIED

UNCLASSI[FED

Source Exif Data:

File Type                       : PDF
File Type Extension             : pdf
MIME Type                       : application/pdf
PDF Version                     : 1.4
Linearized                      : No
Creator                         : 
Producer                        : 
Page Count                      : 100

EXIF Metadata provided by EXIF.tools

TM 1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63 1146 Augmented Satellite Control Facility System Description Apr63

TM-1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63 TM-1146_Augmented_Satellite_Control_Facility_System_Description_Apr63

Navigation menu

Versions of this User Manual:

Views

Navigation