Telescope Information
IDENTIFIER urn:nasa:pds:context:telescope:goldstone.dss26_34m::1.1
NAME DSS-26 34-m Radio Telescope
DESCRIPTION DSS-26 is one of three beam waveguide (BWG) antennas constructed between 1992 and 1996 in a cluster at "Apollo Valley" within the Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex (GDSCC) . These antennas were the first DSN operational antennas to utilize the BWG design that moves environmentally sensitive electronic equipment into an underground pedestal instead of a centrally mounted feed cone structure. The use of the underground pedestal also allows for easier repair, maintenance and upgrades. DSS-26 operates at S-, X-, and Ka-band (2, 8, and 34 GHz, respectively). On S-band its transmitter radiates 250 W; it can receive either right- or left-circular polarization (RCP or LCP, respectively). On X-band, its transmitter is rated for 20 kW; it can receive RCP and LCP simultaneously. At Ka-band it can receive RCP and LCP simultaneously but not transmit. Antenna coordinates were converted from Table 5 in module 301 (revision L) of the DSN Telecommunications Link Design Handbook (DSN document 810-005).
FACILITY Goldstone Deep Space Communications Complex
APERTURE 34.0
LONGITUDE 243.12698
LATITUDE 35.33569
ALTITUDE
COORIDINATE SOURCE WGS 84 Ellipsoid
INVESTIGATION(S)
INSTRUMENT(S) NASA Deep Space Network Radio Science