GLAST Receives Powerful Ku-band Transponder

NASA's gamma-ray telescope developed in order to explore the high-energy universe, such as astrophysical and cosmological phenomena occurring inside active galactic nuclei, pulsars, dark matter and so on, has been fitted recently with the Ku-band communication system. The Ku-band system will have the role of ensuring communications with the ground based stations, and consists of the Ku antenna and two Ku band transmitters.

"The Ku Band system on the Gamma-ray Large Area Telescope enables the transmittal of recorded science and engineering data at a high rate to the ground through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellites. It provides the link that enables the transmission of the large quantity of information gathered by the Large Area Telescope and GLAST Burst Monitor instruments," said GLAST Deputy Project Manager at the Goddard Space Flight Center, Al Vernacchio.

The Ku band, or the K-under band, is a portion of the electromagnetic spectrum in the microwave wavelengths, usually involved in data transmission systems. Many of the satellites currently orbiting around Earth use Ku band transponders in order to relay communication for television networks. Alternatively, the GLAST satellite will make use of several S-band antennas and transponders through which command functions will be coordinated.

The satellite is currently in the final stages of preparation, as it is expected to be launched on 16 May 2008 on board a Delta II launch vehicle from Cape Canaveral Air Station Launch-pad 17-B. With the installation of the Ku band communication system, the GLAST satellite integration was completed; all that remains now is the closing of the thermal shield, the installation of the star tracker shade, fueling and delivery to the launch pad.

GLAST will be able to observe gamma-ray bursts, the most powerful electromagnetic radiation emissions occurring naturally in the universe, in order to study predictions made by new physical theories, the constituents of dark matter or through what mechanisms black holes eject jets of matter at relativistic speeds.