Exp-3

Aim-To Study Telemetry,Tracking and Command Subsystem

Theory-

Telemetry

1. The function of Telemetry sub system is to monitor various aircraft

parameters and to transmit the measured values to the satellite control
centre.
2. It refers to the overall operation of generating an electrical signal
proportional to the quantity being measured and encoding and
transmitting this to a distant station, which for the satellite is one of the
earth stations.
3. The telemetry data are analyzed at the control centre is used for routine
operation and failure diagnostic purposes.
4. The parameters most commonly monitored are:
1) Voltage, current and Temperatures of all major systems
2) Switch status of communications transponders.
3) Pressure of propulsion tanks
 4) Output from attitude sensors
5) Reaction wheel speed
6) Environmental information such as the magnetic field intensity and
direction, the frequency of meteorite impact.
5. Several sensors provide analog signals whereas some others provide
digital signals.
6. Analog signals are digitally encoded and multiplexed with other signals,
forming a continuous digital stream. Typical telemetry data rates are in
the range of 150 to 100 bps.
7. The telemetry data are transmitted as FSK, PSK via telemetry antenna.
The telemetry signal is commonly used as a beacon by ground stations for
tracking purpose

Tracking

1. In this the satellite movement is tracked and correction signals are

sending to satellite because various disturbing forces are acting on the
satellite.
2. This system is located at the earth station providing information on
elevation and azimuth angles of the satellite.
3. Tracking is obviously important during the transfer and drift orbital
phases of the satellite launch. Once it is on station, the position of a
geostationary satellite will tend to be shifted as a result of the various
disturbing forces. Therefore, it is necessary to be able to track the
satellite’s movement and send correction signals as required.
4. Tracking beacons may be transmitted in the telemetry channel or by pilot
carriers at frequencies in one of the main communications channels, or by
special tracking antennas. Satellite range from the ground station is also
required from time to time. This can be determined by measurement of
the propagation delay of signals especially transmitted for ranging
purposes. Command
 5. The command subsystem receives commands from the satellite control
centre, verifies this reception and executes received commands.
6. Telemetry and command may be thought of as complementary functions.
The telemetry subsystem transmits information about the satellite, while
the command subsystem receives command signals from the earth station,
often in response to telemetered information.
7. It is clearly important to prevent unauthorized commands from being
received and decoded, and for this reason, the command signals are often
encrypted.

Examples of common commands are:

1) Transponder switching
2) Switch matrix reconfiguration.
3) Antenna pointing control.
4) Controlling direction and speed of solar drive array.
5) Battery reconditioning
6) Beacon switching
7) Thrusters firing
8) Switching heaters of various subsystem

1. The receiving antennas used are omnidirectional antennas to maintain

contact for all orientation of the satellite, so that the satellite can receive
the signals during launch, orbit transfer and other periods prior to attitude
stabilization.
2. The receiver then converts RF signal to base band signal and command
decoder decodes the command.
3. Then verification is done in which involves transmitting decoded
commands to satellite control centre via telemetry carrier and the
command is stored in the satellite till verification is done.
4. The command receiver also provides baseband ranging tone which is
modulated on beacon telemetry and sent to satellite control centre.
5. The antennas used for telemetry and command signals are parabolic
reflectors.

Conclusion-