Site 515: THE X-BAND ARRAY

A space platform for academic research

FBOA

Current trends in space platform technology

• Satellites Smaller size Lower power Higher data transmission Cluster formations Greater operating distances

• Ground Stations Higher bandwidth Higher frequency Multi-sat tracking Greater sensitivity

Bandwidth Low High High

Frequency Low High High

Sensitivity Low High Very High

Cluster Tracking No No Yes

Range LEO LEO/GTO/GEO Lunar/Deep Space

200-500 miles 22,000 miles 250,000 miles +

Existing antenna(Roof of Durand)

Single 60 ft Antenna

All Five 60 ft Antennas

Why 515?

• For tracking and communicating, high frequency parabolic dishes with large diameters are needed

• “Big Dish” is unusable at higher frequencies due to the design of its mesh reflector

• The 60 foot diameter dish antennas at Site 515 are ideal for high bandwidth communication

Stanford’s programs: SSDL

• CubeSats The latest generation A standardized form factor Measure 10cm x 10cm x 10cm in size

Stanford’s programs: STAR Lab

Current condition of the array:

• Diamond in the rough Electronics and surfaces are intact, cleaning needed

• Upgrades: The satellite tracking control system Drive speed modifications Feed and telecommunication upgrades Site fencing Preliminary design work has been completed

• STAR Lab proposes to subcontract the Friends of the Bracewell Observatory Association (FBOA)

• FBOA is a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that includes the crew that built/operated the site before

• FBOA will provide the labor, materials, and operating funds necessary to: Restore, upgrade, and maintain the antennas and facilities Maintain the grounds Maintain liability insurance ($4 million per occurrence policy)

Site 515 Proposal

Expert Inspections of Site 515 Antennas and Facilities by FBOA

Budget and Timeline

• Restoration and Upgrade: Cost: $530,000 for first 3 years

• Gifts Costs matched with 20% contingency reserve

• Timeline 1st Dish up and running before Q3 ‘06 2nd Dish by Q3 ‘07

Site 515 Restoration and Upgrade 3 YR BudgetDRAFT, Updated 4/30/05

2005 2006 2007Revenue

STAR Lab Site 515 Restoration Fund 20,000 0 0Gifts/ Friends of the Bracewell Obs. Assoc. 160,000 180,000 170,000

Annual Revenue Totals 180,000 180,000 170,000

Expenses

Labor (Contract)Administrative Labor 24,750 49,500 49,500Restoration and Upgrade Labor 82,500 82,500 75,000Maintenance Labor (Equip., Facil, Grounds) 15,000 30,000 30,000

UtilitiesElectricity (PG&E Schedule A-1) 779 1,558 1,558Cooling (1,500 sq ft) 270 540 540Heating (1,500 sq ft) 1,942 3,884 3,884Water (PA Schedule W-4) 500 1,000 1,000Sewage (PA Schedule S-2) 116 231 231Trash Collection (PA Schedule R-2) 119 238 238

DSL Connectivity For remote (SSH) motion control server 240 480 480Phone Line 240 480 480Liability Insurance $4 million per occurrence liability policy 500 1,000 1,000Dish Restoration Materials and Equip. Rentals Materials and equipment rentals 5,000 7,500 7,500Fence for Site Access Restriction Barbed wire fencing & locked drive gate 1,300 0 0Satellite Tracking Upgrades

Control electronics and WEG motors 5,069 0 0DBW900 gear reducer upgrade 1,000 0 0

Control Room and Delay Line Shelter Restoration Shelter roof repair. Air quality restoration. 10,000 0 0Grounds Maintenance Equip. & Misc. Supplies 600 1,200 1,200

Annual Expense Totals 149,924 180,111 172,611

Annual Net 30,076 -111 -2,611

Ending Cash Contingency Reserve 30,076 29,965 27,354

Site 515 Budget: 2005-2007