[sci.space.shuttle] Space Shuttle communications on shortwave

jay@ncspm.ncsu.edu (Jay C. Smith) (09/07/88)

I remember that during previous shuttle launches crew/ground communications
were rebroadcast on a shortwave frequency from NASA's Goddard Center.  Will
this continue with the next launch (which I heard will use encrypted trans-
missions) and (Kenneth) what is the frequency?

Thanks.

-- 
"The duality of man.  The Jungian thing, sir."
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Jay C. Smith                      uucp:     ...!mcnc!ncsuvx!ncspm!jay
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tneff@dasys1.UUCP (Tom Neff) (09/10/88)

I wonder if you noticed that item in the STS-26 Release about the
infrared intercom system they're going to try out.  It would replace
the RF cabin loop they currently use.  The whole point: providing
a "secure" communications environment inside the orbiter (RF leaks
but IR won't).  Oh joy!  You can bet from now on only two kinds of
Star Wars stuff will take place on Shuttle missions: the successes
DOD chooses to trumpet, and "no news."
-- 
Tom Neff			UUCP: ...!cmcl2!phri!dasys1!tneff
	"None of your toys	CIS: 76556,2536	       MCI: TNEFF
	 will function..."	GEnie: TOMNEFF	       BIX: t.neff (no kidding)

anand@amax.npac.syr.edu (Anand Rangachari) (09/11/88)

In article <6376@dasys1.UUCP> tneff@dasys1.UUCP (Tom Neff) writes:
>I wonder if you noticed that item in the STS-26 Release about the
>infrared intercom system they're going to try out.  It would replace
>the RF cabin loop they currently use.  The whole point: providing
>a "secure" communications environment inside the orbiter (RF leaks
>but IR won't).  Oh joy!  You can bet from now on only two kinds of
>Star Wars stuff will take place on Shuttle missions: the successes
>DOD chooses to trumpet, and "no news."

  I too read the section about using IR to communicate. My wonder is that
they are making such a fuss about it. I have a copy of the DAK catalog
which lists a gadget that transmits TV sound modulated on IR that allows
you to watch TV in bed and not bother with long cords. This gadget costs
about $100. Maybe NASA should spend more time looking up catalogs for
Edmund Scientific and DAK.

   I doubt however that the new system was developed to secure the shuttle.
They probably did not want too many stray RF sources around those comm
sats.

                                                        R. Anand

tneff@dasys1.UUCP (Tom Neff) (09/23/88)

In article <615@cmx.npac.syr.edu> anand@nic.nyser.net (Anand Rangachari) writes:
>In article <6376@dasys1.UUCP> tneff@dasys1.UUCP (Tom Neff) writes:
>>I wonder if you noticed that item in the STS-26 Release about the
>>infrared intercom system they're going to try out.  It would replace
>>the RF cabin loop they currently use.  The whole point: providing
>>a "secure" communications environment inside the orbiter (RF leaks
>>but IR won't).  ...
>
>   I doubt however that the new system was developed to secure the shuttle.
>They probably did not want too many stray RF sources around those comm
>sats.

Rick Hauck or Pinky Nelson was just quoted either in this newsgroup or
in one of the space mags (I forget which right now, I read so darn much!)
confirming my suggested rationale for the IR cabin loop.  They want to
keep DOD missions secure.







-- 
Tom Neff			UUCP: ...!cmcl2!phri!dasys1!tneff
	"None of your toys	CIS: 76556,2536	       MCI: TNEFF
	 will function..."	GEnie: TOMNEFF	       BIX: t.neff (no kidding)