Members starsnuffer Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I saw this and thought it should be posted here. Original article can be found here On its current space scouting mission, NASA's Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter (LRO) is using a pumped up communications device to deliver 461 gigabytes of data and images per day, at a rate of up to 100 Mbps. As the first high data rate K-band transmitter to fly on a NASA spacecraft, the 13-inch-long tube, called a Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier, is making it possible for NASA scientists to receive massive amounts of images and data about the moon's surface and environment. The amplifier was built by L-3 Communications Electron Technologies in conjunction with NASA's Glenn Research Center. The device uses electrodes in a vacuum tube to amplify microwave signals to high power. It's ideal for sending large amounts of data over a long distance because it provides more power and more efficiency than its alternative, the transistor amplifier, NASA stated. A traveling wave tube is needed for high frequency and high power applications such as deep space communications because of its higher power capability and efficiency when compared to solid-state devices, NASA stated. The amplifier uses a new waveguide for input and output that adds strength to withstand mechanical shock and vibrations for enhanced reliability while traveling in the harsh environment of space. In addition, the amplifier can be used to increase the rate of data transfer from Earth-orbiting satellites for improved weather forecasting and Earth observation for climate change. Possible future applications for the amplifier include air traffic control of transoceanic flights and tracking ships at sea, NASA stated. It also could enable real-time data transfer from future Earth-orbiting satellites. Such satellites are used to track migratory animals, endangered species, icebergs, volcanic eruptions and forest fires, and to aid in search and rescue operations, NASA stated. For now though, the LRO collects information about the moon's geography, climate and environment transmits this information to a receiver at a Ka band antenna network at White Sands Test Facility in New Mexico. Scientists are using the data to compile high-resolution, 3D maps of the lunar surface. According to NASA, Traveling Wave Tube Amplifiers have been used for other planetary missions, such as Kepler and Cassini, but previous designs were less powerful. According to Rainee Simons, chief of Glenn's Electron and Optoelectronic Device Branch, engineers had to redesign the internal circuitry of the amplifier. The orbiter's Traveling Wave Tube Amplifier is also more efficient than previous amplifiers. When it comes to launching satellites, weight means money. The heavier the spacecraft, the more fuel it needs to reach orbit. Because the new amplifier packs more power into a lighter design than previous microwave amplifiers, it's cheaper to fly, NASA stated. For its primary mission, LRO will orbit above the moon at about 31 miles for one year. The spacecraft's instruments will help scientists compile high resolution, three-dimensional maps of the lunar surface and also survey it at many spectral wavelengths. A series of four engine burns through June 27 will finalize LRO's initial orbit. During this phase, each of its seven instruments is checked out and brought online. The satellite will explore the moon's deepest craters, examining permanently sunlit and shadowed regions, and provide understanding of the effects of lunar radiation on humans. LRO will return more data about the moon than any previous mission. Now how that data will ultimately be used is up in the air as Norm Augustine, chair of the United States Human Space Flight Plans Committee review, has said NASA lacks the financial backing to continue pursuing manned space programs. Augustine told PBS "the human space flight program really isn't executable with the money we have." While its future is being debated, NASA today said it would offer $50 million in stimulus money to further develop private commercial spacecraft. NASA has been hedging it bets with commercial space support. The space agency recently announced its Commercial Crew and Cargo Program looks to develop and demonstrate safe, reliable, and cost-effective capabilities to transport cargo and eventually crew to low-Earth orbit and the International Space Station. The new program, known as "CCDev," represents a milestone in the development of an orbital commercial human spaceflight sector, NASA stated. By maturing "the design and development of commercial crew spaceflight concepts and associated enabling technologies and capabilities," the program will allow several companies to move a few steps forward towards the ultimate goal of full demonstration of commercial human spaceflight to orbit, NASA said. CCDev will go hand-in-hand with NASA's existing $500 million Commercial Orbital Transportation Services (COTS) which is supporting the private development of commercial cargo transportation from companies such as SpaceX and Orbital. The program further develops the strategy that NASA's low-earth orbit work will soon be left to private hands. The agency could then focus on the moon and beyond, barring budget disasters. -W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Vicious1080 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 tl;dr Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members abecon5 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 wat Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Beasleyboy Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 ya but how br00tal can it get? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members starsnuffer Posted August 20, 2009 Author Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 ya but how br00tal can it get? Apparently a single tube can produce 15,000 watts. Wonder how that works in AB mode? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Traveling-wave_tube -W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members starsnuffer Posted August 20, 2009 Author Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I just found it interesting that here in the 21st century we're still using hand-made vacuum tubes for our most advanced technology. Kinda flies in the face of all the "when will tooobs be obsolete?" posts that come up once a month. -W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Flogger59 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 Your tube won't lose it's vacuum in space. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members abecon5 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 if NASA was using a snax-fx it would have landed on mars by now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Vicious1080 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 if NASA was using a snax-fx it would have landed on mars by now. :love: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members BSS Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 if NASA was using a snax-fx it would have landed on mars by now. Only if they got the ultra. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members TornadoOfSouls Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 Since there's no vacuum in space that means a crystal lattice is superior. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Metalman X Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 How long beofre half the forum marches down to the Kennedy Space center for some NASA branded tubes? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members Markdude Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I heard the crew opted to switch from EL34's to 6L6's because they complained of a lack of headroom in the cabin. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members CenturyStanding Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I heard the crew opted to switch from EL34's to 6L6's because they complained of a lack of headroom in the cabin. Epic fail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members teemuk Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 It looks like this. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members cmercein8 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 Only if they got the ultra. If they had the ultra we would have discovered life on other planets by now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members KsE fan Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 They probably have a couple of Mark IIC+'sone controls the earths revolutionthe other,how hot the sun is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sc4589 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I heard the crew opted to switch from EL34's to 6L6's because they complained of a lack of headroom in the cabin. I thought it was funny. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members SirJackdeFuzz Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 How long beofre half the forum marches down to the Kennedy Space center for some NASA branded tubes? So who's going with me :thu: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members starsnuffer Posted August 20, 2009 Author Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 there are tubes more powerful than this. True, but these run on solar power! So. . . Will you make me a solar powered 15kw map? -W Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members teemuk Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I can make you one. ...If you make me a space shuttle and a space station. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sc4589 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 I can make you one. ...If you make me a space shuttle and a space station. Does Lego count? You'll {censored} bricks when you see them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members teemuk Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 Does Lego count? You'll {censored} bricks when you eat them. Fixed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Members sc4589 Posted August 20, 2009 Members Share Posted August 20, 2009 Fixed. ... :poke: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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