Small Deep Space Transponder
Reliable X-Band and Ka-Band Deep Space Transmission
The Small Deep Space Transponder (SDST), developed by General Dynamics and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is a spacecraft terminal for X-Band and Ka-Band telecommunications with the NASA Deep Space Network (DSN). Making extensive use of MMICs, multichip modules, and a new signal processing ASIC, the SDST’s flexible design provides the capability to meet the telecommunication needs of nearly every deep space mission.
- NASA's Deep-Space Network (DSN) Compatible
- Radiation and SEU Tolerant
- MIL-STD-1553 Interfaces – Standard and Low Power
- Option for Ka-Band downlink (independent of X-band Functionality)
Watch Cody Wilkinson Discuss The Mars 2020 Mission
General Dynamics Deputy Program Manager Cody Wilkinson was interviewed by FOX10 about his team's role in NASA's Mars 2020 Mission.
Our Small Deep Space Transponder provides a crucial communications link directly between the Perseverance rover and Earth. The transponder is used to send the stored rover data via the Deep Space Network at high data rates, relaying all data and instructions on how to drive the rover and data from the rover's instruments to NASA.
Current Missions
The Small Deep Space Transponder (SDST) is currently flying on multiple deep space missions totaling over 1,000,000 in-flight operational hours including:
- Juno
- Lucy
- Mars Odyssey
- Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
- Mars Rovers: Curiosity, Perseverance
- MAVEN
- OSIRIS-REX
- Psyche
- STEREO (Solar Terrestrial Relations Observatory)
Past Missions
- Dawn
- Deep Space-1
- Deep Impact
- Cassini
- InSight
- Kepler
- Messenger
- Opportunity Mars Rover
- Phoenix
- Spirit Mars Rover
- Spitzer Space Telescope
Features
The SDST has two configurations. The X/X configuration consists of an X-band receiver and an X-band 880F1 exciter. The X/X/Ka configuration consists of an X-band receiver, an X-band 880F1 exciter and an X-band 840F1 exciter. The 840F1 exciter drives an external x4, X-to-Ka-band multiplier mounted to the user’s Ka-band power amplifier, allowing interconnection by coaxial cable rather than waveguide. The SDST is designed for use with our 15 watt X-band Solid State Power Amplifier (SSPA) and other customer supplied X and Ka-band power amplifiers. The 15 watt X-band SSPA is designed to supply telemetry signals that can be connected directly to the SDST to make a complete transmitter/receiver with a single MIL-STD-1553B data interface.
- Deep-Space Network Compatible
- Redundant I/O for Cross-Strapping
- X-Band Receiver, X and Ka-Band Exciters
- 2.1 dB Typical Noise Figure @25°C
- -158 dBm Typical Sensitivity @ 25°C
- Temp Compensated Receiver VCO
- Low Exciter Spurious, Phase Noise, and Allan Deviation
- Radio Science Mode (using USO Input)
- 6 ns Typical Ranging Delay Variation
- 30 Mbps Max TLM Symbol Rate
- 0.5 ns Typical Carrier Delay Variation
- MIL-STD-1553 Interface – Standard and Low Power
- External Power Converter Synchronization Capability
- Operates Under Launch Environments
- Radiation and SEU Resistant
- Internal Telemetry Modulation Encoder
- Internal Command Detector with External Baseband Input
- Mounting in Either of Two Axes
- Firmware Options:
- Carrier Tracking Loop Bandwidth
- Command Detector Subcarrier Frequencies and Data Rates
- Custom Command/Telemetry Interface Format
- Custom POR state
Specifications
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Small Deep Space Transponder Data Sheet
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View Document
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|---|---|
| Mass | 7.0 lbs (3.2 kg) maximum |
| Input Supply Voltage | 22 to 36 VDC, or ±11 to ±18 VDC |
| Input Supply Power | Receiver Only: 12.5 W nominal Receiver + X-Band Exciter: 15.8 W nominal Receiver + X and Ka-Band Exciters: 19.5 W nominal |
| Envelope Size | 7.13”L x 6.55”W x 4.50”H |
| External Synch Frequency | 125 kHz nominal |
| Radiation Total Dose | 50 krads (Si) (part level), 100 krad optional |
| Operating Temperature | -40 to +60° C |
