ADEOS Data-Receiving Dish Gets a Lift
An antenna soon to receive data from a Japanese-owned
satellite designed to monitor the earth's environment recently was
installed near a student campground on the West Ridge of the
University of Alaska Fairbanks.
The antenna, constructed by contractor Scientific Atlanta, stands almost 70 feet (21.5 meters) tall when the dish is tilted vertically.
The antenna's reflector, or dish, which measures 45 feet (11.2 meters) in diameter, is positioned near tree line so satellite data can be received from at least two degrees above the horizon.
The antenna and its associated receiving system is undergoing detailed testing so it will be ready to receive data from the Advanced Earth Observing Satellite, which is scheduled to be launched into orbit in August.
ADEOS will carry a suite of sensors to monitor climate change and instruments designed to explore the global environment as part of NASA's "Mission to Planet Earth" program. In addition to revealing new information about the earth's climate, data gained from the satellite is expected to aid in international resource management, according to Carl Wales, project director for the Alaska Synthetic Aperture Radar Facility.
When tests are complete, ASF will operate the NASA-owned antenna and associated receiving system.
Photo by Evelyn Trabant