Diagnostics System for Antenna Drive Motors and Bearings

This proposal is to develop a diagnostic system that detects degradation of drive components prior to failure. The specific application to the ALTAIR Antenna is critical to maintaining a national asset in readiness for near and deep space missions. The design approach will take advantage of the close proximity to the original antenna designers, and former on-site systems engineers for the ALTAIR Antenna. Instrumentation expertise by experienced telemetry and data processing engineers and suppliers will also be combined with the recent design and operational inputs from the site and sponsor support personnel. The modern sensors, transmission media and PC based analysis tools exist for specific application to the unique operations and environments at Kwajalein. Initial contact with suppliers during the proposal phase has indicated a sufficient number of tools exist to effect an economical system design solution without device or instrument level development. An optimum system configuration will be determined using available monitoring techniques and components from proven suppliers as a continuation of the proposal search. This system design will be reviewed with the customer and documented such that the Phase II effort will be a turn-key activity.