SSEC X-band Reception Facility This article documents the installation of the X-band satellite data reception facility at the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC), University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Last update 3 November 2000 (Phase 3: Final Configuration)

In November 1998, SSEC submitted a proposal to NASA Headquarters which called for the installation and operation of a reception facility in order to capture the X-band direct broadcast data from the Terra and Aqua spacecraft of NASA's Earth Observing System (EOS). After the proposal was accepted by NASA, SSEC requested bids from industry to supply an antenna system capable of acquiring the signal from these spacecraft. The lowest bid which met all SSEC requirements was tendered by SeaSpace of San Diego, who were subsequently selected to provide a turn-key system including antenna, radome, and related processing hardware. The bid requirements called for the antenna and radome to be placed atop a 40 ft. tower on the roof of the 15-story SSEC building.

Phase 1: Tower Installation

In order to obtain the best possible view to the horizon from the SSEC rooftop (avoiding the existing geostationary satellite antennas), a 40 ft. tower was procured by SSEC. Consulting engineers Arnold and O'Sheridan conducted a structural analysis of the antenna/radome, tower, and building support structure to verify the integrity of the proposed installation, and to verify that the pointing accuracy of the antenna would be sufficient for reliable reception of X-band data. General contractors J.P. Cullen & Sons were contracted to assemble and install the tower. Due to the height and downtown location of the SSEC rooftop, the decision was made to use a helicopter to lift the tower sections to the roof. Industrial airlifting specialists Carson Helicopters were selected to provide the helicopter lift services.

Following the installation of rooftop hardpoints anchored to the SSEC building frame, the tower was assembled in a parking lot adjacent to the SSEC building. On 27 November 1999, the helicopter lift took place. The roof support beams and tower sections were dis-assembled before the lift into 3 pieces, each of which were lifted separately. The specially modified Sikorsky S-61 helicopter lifted the 3 sections to the roof within one hour.
 

Carson Sikorsky S-61	S-61 front view	Tower sections	S-61 in flight	First section
Lift from parking lot	Second section	Section arrives	Joining sections	Lift complete

Phase 2: Antenna Installation

On 5 August 2000, the antenna and radome supplied by SeaSpace were successfully lifted onto the tower atop the SSEC building. Once again, general contractors J.P. Cullen & Sons and airlift specialists Carson Helicopters provided installation and lift services. The SeaSpace TeraScan SX-EOS system was first assembled on the ground, and the radome enclosure was then built around the antenna.
 

Antenna view 1	Antenna view 2	Antenna view 3	Right side of mount	Left side of mount
Preparing lifting frame	Testing lifting frame	Carson S-61 helicopter	Lift in progress	Approaching tower
Lowering onto tower	Securing mount bolts	Lifting frame detached	Helicopter departure

Phase 3: Final Configuration

During August and September 2000, the finishing touches were made to the tower. Electrical service, lighting, and walkways were completed. The radome is rated to handle 150 mph wind loads. The antenna is completely shielded from winds, rain, and snow by the radome, which allows work to be done on the antenna in comfortable and safe conditions. A GPS receiver on the antenna platform relays accurate time codes to the control computer located on the 6th floor of the SSEC building. The equipment rack shown contains the antenna controller, receiver, control computer, disk array, and UPS.
 

Location on Building	Antenna Farm	Tower Detail	Tower Shadow	GOES Antennas
Antenna Detail	Receiver/Computer