Evaluation of the electromagnetic penetration of the NASA space shuttle endeavour using an ultra wideband measurement system

Published

July 8, 2007

Author(s)

Robert T. Johnk, Robert Scully, David R. Novotny, Chriss A. Grosvenor, Nino Canales, Dennis G. Camell, Galen H. Koepke

Abstract

This paper summarizes a joint NIST-NASA measurement effort to evaluate the electromagnetic penetration of the shuttle Endeavour. NASA is concerned about the effects that microwave imaging radar systems might have on critical avionics systems on its fleet of space shuttles. As part of a multifaceted effort, a portable, NIST-developed ultra-wideband measurement system was deployed at the Kennedy Space Center to evaluate electromagnetic penetration in over the frequency range of 30 MHZ to 6 GHz at selected locations inside Endeavour. The measurements were carried out inside a large metal hangar, which exhibited robust reverberant behavior. A combination of reverb chamber techniques and time/frequency signal processing permitted the evaluation of electromagnetic penetration at six different locations inside the orbiter.

Conference Dates

July 8-13, 2007

Conference Location

Honolulu, HI, USA

Conference Title

IEEE International Symposium on EMC

Pub Type

Conferences

Keywords

antenna, dual ridged horn, electromagnetic, frequency domain, hangar, NASA, NIST, orbiter, penetration, shielding, shuttle, tem horn, time domain, ultra wideband, VNA

Citation

Johnk, R. , Scully, R. , Novotny, D. , Grosvenor, C. , Canales, N. , Camell, D. and Koepke, G. (2007), Evaluation of the electromagnetic penetration of the NASA space shuttle endeavour using an ultra wideband measurement system, IEEE International Symposium on EMC, Honolulu, HI, USA (Accessed October 15, 2025)