New Mobile Telemetry Ground Station for Sounding Rocket, Stratospheric Balloon, and LEOP Satellite Support

Abstract

The new telemetry station of the DLR Mobile Rocket Base (MORABA) is a fully equipped commanding, tracking, and data acquisition ground station developed particularly for sounding rockets and stratospheric research balloons. Furthermore, it serves as a support system for satellite missions during launch and early orbit phases. Its primary design goal was maximum mobility and versatility. Hence, the station is optimized for easy transportation in standard 20-foot ISO containers, fast setup, and highest independence regarding location and infrastructure. It can be operated at tropical temperatures and arctic conditions alike. The TT&C station comprises two independent antenna systems made by ORBIT Communication Systems. The main antenna features a segmented five-meter parabolic dish on a very fast elevation-over-azimuth pedestal and an S-band tracking feed with supplementary acquisition aid. The feed supports simultaneous uplink and downlink in the S-band, both with polarization diversity for improved signal quality even under adverse conditions. A small 1.5-meter secondary antenna with autonomous tracking equipment provides backup to the main system for fast target acquisition and wide angle tracking capability.