810-005, Rev. E
DSMS Telecommunications Link
Design Handbook

201
Frequency and Channel Assignments
Effective November 30, 2000
                                        
Document Owner:              Approved by:

-----------------------      -----------------------
C.J. Ruggier        Date      A. Kwok           Date
Tracking System Engineer      Tracking and Navigation Services
                             System Development Engineer

Prepared by:                 Released by:
                             [Signature on file in TMOD Library]
------------------------     ---------------------------
R.W. Sniffin        Date     TMOD Document Release Date


Change Log
Rev           Issue Date               Affected Paragraphs       Change Summary
Initial       1/15/2001                All                       All



Note to Readers 
There are two sets of document histories in the 810-005 document, and these
histories are reflected in the header at the top of the page. First, the entire document is
periodically released as a revision when major changes affect a majority of the modules. For
example, this module is part of 810-005, Revision E. Second, the individual modules also
change, starting as an initial issue that has no revision letter. When a module is changed, a
change letter is appended to the module number on the second line of the header and a summary
of the changes is entered in the module's change log.
This is a new module in Revision E of 810-005.


Contents 
Paragraph                                                                                             Page
1 Introduction.......................................................................................... 4
1.1 Purpose and Scope................................................................................... 4
2 General Information................................................................................... 4
2.1 Tracking Modes of Operation......................................................................... 5
2.1.1 One-way........................................................................................... 5
2.1.2 Two-way........................................................................................... 5
2.1.3 Three-way......................................................................................... 5
2.1.4  Coherent Three-way............................................................................... 5
2.2 Spacecraft Transponder Turnaround Ratios............................................................ 5
2.3 Frequency Bands Allocated by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)........................ 6
2.4 Deep Space Coherent Frequency Channels.............................................................. 7

Tables
Table                                                                                                 Page      
1. Spacecraft Transponder Turnaround Ratios............................................................. 6
2. Allocated Frequency Bands............................................................................ 6
3. Frequency and Channel Assignments for S-Band Uplink.................................................. 9
4.  Frequency and Channel Assignments for X-Band Uplink................................................. 10
5.  Frequency and Channel Assignments for Ka-Band Uplink...............................................  11

  
1 Introduction

1.1 Purpose and Scope
This module provides basic information about the frequencies that are
available in the Deep Space Network (DSN) and presents the way certain of the
DSN frequency allocations have been divided into channels. It does not specify
which stations can or will support assigned frequencies. That information is
contained in the appropriate Telecommunications Interfaces modules (101, 70-m
Antenna Subnet Telecommunications Interfaces; 102, 26-m Antenna Subnet
Telecommunications Interfaces; 103, 34-m HEF Antenna Subnet Telecommunications
Interfaces; or 104, 34-m BWG Stations Telecommunications Interfaces) of this
handbook. It also does not include propagation characteristics of the
frequencies. This information is provided in module 105 (Atmospheric and
Environmental Effects) and module 106 (Solar Corona and Solar Wind Effects) of
this handbook.


2 General Information
The DSN has developed channel plans to provide for orderly selection
and assignment of frequencies for deep-space missions (Category B, greater than
2 million km from Earth). (The DSN has not developed channel plans for near-
Earth missions [Category A, less than 2 million km from Earth].) The deep space
channel plans are based on bandwidth, hardware implementation, and transponder
turnaround-ratio considerations. The plans must allow phase coherent uplink
(Earth-to-space) and downlink (space-to-Earth) transmissions.

Through international agreements, the International Telecommunications
Union (ITU) allocates and regulates portions of the frequency spectrum for both
commercial and government use. The primary objective of the ITU is to establish
regulatory procedures for the coordinated use of frequencies by those agencies
permitted to operate in the allocated bands. The ITU has allocated certain bands
to deep space (Category B) research. In some cases, the deep space missions may
be required to conditionally share a frequency band between multiple users in
the same band.

The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) is an
international organization for space agencies interested in mutually developing
standard transmission and data handling techniques to support space research,
including space science and applications. As a member of the CCSDS, NASA has
submitted recommendations for various space systems applications. As an example,
the standard NASA Ka-band spacecraft transponder turnaround
ratio was first presented for review and approval to the CCSDS prior to its
implementation.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration
(NTIA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is the Executive
Branch's principal authority on domestic and international telecommunications
and information technology issues. During the planning phase of all missions
using the DSN, the proposed operating frequencies and other operating
parameters are reviewed by the NTIA for approval through the System Review
process. The NTIA evaluations are based upon the technical and regulatory
criteria for the efficient and coordinated use of the frequency spectrum by
NASA missions.

2.1 Tracking Modes of Operation

The following paragraphs describe the various ways in which the
telecommunications link can be configured for radio tracking. The source of
the uplink signal and the choice of references for measuring the received
frequency determine the mode of operation.

2.1.1 One-way
The spacecraft generates the downlink signal(s) from an onboard
oscillator. The DSN compares the received frequency against a locally
generated frequency.

2.1.2 Two-way
The DSN transmits a signal to the spacecraft. The spacecraft tracks
the phase of the uplink signal and generates a phase coherent downlink signal.
The DSN compares the received frequency with the same reference frequency from
which the uplink was generated.

2.1.3 Three-way
The spacecraft is tracked by two stations-one with the two-way mode
while the other receives and compares the signal to a locally generated
frequency. The most common application of this mode is during the handover
between stations at two different Deep Space Communication Complexes (DSCCs).

2.1.4 Coherent Three-way
Coherent three-way tracking is three-way tracking when the
transmitting and receiving stations share a common reference frequency.

2.2 Spacecraft Transponder Turnaround Ratios
To measure two-way or three-way Doppler shift, the spacecraft must
transmit a downlink signal that is phase coherent with the uplink signal. Table
1 provides the recommended spacecraft transponder turnaround ratios for various
uplink and downlink frequency bands. The tracking equipment at the DSN 34-m and
70-m stations can accommodate other turnaround ratios but this support must be
negotiated through the JPL Frequency Manager, who is resident in the Plans and
Commitments Program Office <http://deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov/advmiss/>.

                Table 1. Spacecraft Transponder Turnaround Ratios
                                        
   Uplink      Downlink     Ratio (downlink/uplink)
     S             S                240/221
     S             X                880/221
     S            Ka               3344/221
     X             S                240/749
     X             X                880/749
     X            Ka               3344/749
     Ka            S               240/3599*
     Ka            X               880/3599*
     Ka           Ka              3344/3599*

* While these are the recommended ratios, all existing Ka-band
spacecraft have used turnaround ratios negotiated through the JPL
Frequency Manager.
          Frequency   Bands   Allocated  by  the   International
          Telecommunication Union (ITU)
          
          Frequency ranges have been allocated by the ITU for use in deep  space
and near-Earth research. These ranges are listed in Table 2.



                       Table 2. Allocated Frequency Bands
                                        
Band           Deep Space Bands (for spacecraft > 2 million km   Near Earth Bands (for spacecraft < 2 million km from
Designation                      from Earth)                     Earth)
              Uplink (Earth to     Downlink (space to Earth)        Uplink (Earth to      Downlink (space to Earth)
                   space)                                                space)
   S-band         2110-2120                2290-2300                   2025-2110                  2200-2290
   X-band         7145-7190                8400-8450                   7190-7235                  8450-8500
   Ka-band       34200-34700              31800-32300                                   

          Deep Space Coherent Frequency Channels

          The DSN has divided the frequency ranges allocated for deep space use
into channels for tracking support associated with a given transponder ratio.
The frequency ranges allocated for near-Earth uses do not have a formal
channelization plan. Tables 3, 4, and 5 list the 42-channel assignments by
frequency bands. Note that frequencies out of the allocated ranges for deep
space research are not shown in the tables.
          The S-band downlink center frequency (F_ch(14) = 2295 MHz) is used to
derive all entries in the tables using the expressions
          F_ch(n-1) = F_ch(n) - (10/27), rounded to the nearest hertz for n = 2 to
14

          F_ch(n+1) = F_ch(n) + (10/27), rounded to the nearest hertz for n = 14
to 41

          where F_ch(n) is the center frequency (in MHz) of channel n rounded
to the nearest Hz, and the ratio 10/27 is the spacing (in MHz) between the
centers of two adjacent channels.

          Frequencies for other columns are derived by the procedure described
below. The calculated downlink frequencies may differ by 1 or 2 hertz between
the tables because each table assumes an integer uplink frequency and precise
turnaround ratios.

     (1) The uplink frequency specified in the table is calculated from the
                                   expression
          F_ch(n)= F_ch(n) x TM/240, rounded to the nearest hertz,

          where

          F_ch(n) is the frequency of uplink channel n being calculated;

          F_ch(n) is the frequency of channel n calculated for the S-band

          downlink column

          

     (including values for out-of-band channels); TM is the
               transmit multiplier of a frequency band, that
               is, TM = 221, 749, and 3599 for S uplink, X
               uplink, and Ka uplink.
     (2)  The downlink frequencies specified in the table are calculated from

          the expression F_ch(n) = F_ch(n) x TR, rounded to the nearest hertz,

          where F_ch(n) is the frequency of channel n for the downlink columns;

          F_ch(n) is the frequency of channel n in the uplink column;

          

          TR is the turnaround ratio for the downlink frequency band as
provided in Table 1.
          The DSN only supports two-way or three-way tracking with uplink and
downlink frequencies having the same channel number. Therefore, only channels 5
through 27 fully support coherent uplink and downlink for all frequency bands.
Channel 28, for example, supports S- or X-band uplink with coherent X- or Ka-
band downlink, but not with coherent S-band
downlink.

          Before selecting operating frequencies or channels for a project,
the telecommunication designer should consult the JPL Frequency Manager, who
is resident in the Plans and Commitments Program Office
<http://deepspace.jpl.nasa.gov/advmiss/>, to avoid frequency interference with
other spacecraft, present or planned.
 Table 3. Frequency and Channel Assignments for S-band Uplink Table 4. Frequency
    and Channel Assignments for X-band Uplink Table 5. Frequency and Channel
                         Assignments for Ka-band Uplink
                                        
Channel  S-band U/L (MHz)   S-band D/L (MHz)    X-band D/L (MHz)      Ka-band D/L (MHz)
   5        2110.243056        2291.666667           8402.777780           31930.555562
   6        2110.584105        2292.037037           8404.135803           31935.716050
   7        2110.925154        2292.407407           8405.493826           31940.876538
   8        2111.266204        2292.777778           8406.851853           31946.037042
   9        2111.607253        2293.148148           8408.209876           31951.197530
   10       2111.948303        2293.518519           8409.567903           31956.358033
   11       2112.289352        2293.888889           8410.925927           31961.518521
   12       2112.630401        2294.259259           8412.283950           31966.679009
   13       2112.971451        2294.629630           8413.641977           31971.839512
   14       2113.312500        2295.000000           8415.000000           31977.000000
   15       2113.653549        2295.370370           8416.358023           31982.160488
   16       2113.994599        2295.740741           8417.716050           31987.320991
   17       2114.335648        2296.111111           8419.074073           31992.481479
   18       2114.676697        2296.481481           8420.432097           31997.641967
   19       2115.017747        2296.851852           8421.790124           32002.802470
   20       2115.358796        2297.222222           8423.148147           32007.962958
   21       2115.699846        2297.592593           8424.506174           32013.123462
   22       2116.040895        2297.962963           8425.864197           32018.283950
   23       2116.381944        2298.333333           8427.222220           32023.444438
   24       2116.722994        2298.703704           8428.580248           32028.604941
   25       2117.064043        2299.074074           8429.938271           32033.765429
   26       2117.405092        2299.444444           8431.296294           32038.925917
   27       2117.746142        2299.814815           8432.654321           32044.086420
   28       2118.087191                              8434.012344           32049.246908
   29       2118.428241                              8435.370371           32054.407411
   30       2118.769290                              8436.728395           32059.567899
   31       2119.110339                              8438.086418           32064.728387
   32       2119.451389                              8439.444445           32069.888891
   33       2119.792438                              8440.802468           32075.049379

Channel  X-band U/L (MHz)   S-band D/L (MHz)    X-band D/L (MHz)      Ka-band D/L (MHz)
   1        7147.286265        2290.185185                                 31909.913580
   2        7148.442131        2290.555556                                 31915.074083
   3        7149.597994        2290.925926           8400.061729           31920.234571
   4        7150.753857        2291.296296           8401.419752           31925.395059
   5        7151.909723        2291.666667           8402.777779           31930.555562
   6        7153.065586        2292.037037           8404.135802           31935.716050
   7        7154.221449        2292.407407           8405.493825           31940.876538
   8        7155.377316        2292.777778           8406.851853           31946.037042
   9        7156.533179        2293.148148           8408.209877           31951.197530
   10       7157.689045        2293.518519           8409.567903           31956.358033
   11       7158.844908        2293.888889           8410.925927           31961.518521
   12       7160.000771        2294.259259           8412.283950           31966.679009
   13       7161.156637        2294.629630           8413.641977           31971.839512
   14       7162.312500        2295.000000           8415.000000           31977.000000
   15       7163.468363        2295.370370           8416.358023           31982.160488
   16       7164.624229        2295.740741           8417.716050           31987.320991
   17       7165.780092        2296.111111           8419.074073           31992.481479
   18       7166.935955        2296.481481           8420.432097           31997.641967
   19       7168.091821        2296.851852           8421.790123           32002.802470
   20       7169.247684        2297.222222           8423.148147           32007.962958
   21       7170.403551        2297.592593           8424.506175           32013.123462
   22       7171.559414        2297.962963           8425.864198           32018.283950
   23       7172.715277        2298.333333           8427.222221           32023.444438
   24       7173.871143        2298.703704           8428.580248           32028.604941
   25       7175.027006        2299.074074           8429.938271           32033.765429
   26       7176.182869        2299.444444           8431.296295           32038.925917
   27       7177.338735        2299.814815           8432.654321           32044.086420
   28       7178.494598                              8434.012345           32049.246908
   29       7179.650464                              8435.370372           32054.407411
   30       7180.806327                              8436.728395           32059.567899
   31       7181.962190                              8438.086418           32064.728387
   32       7183.118057                              8439.444446           32069.888891
   33       7184.273920                              8440.802469           32075.049379
   34       7185.429783                              8442.160493           32080.209867
   35       7186.585649                              8443.518520           32085.370370
   36       7187.741512                              8444.876543           32090.530858
   37       7188.897378                              8446.234570           32095.691361

Channel  Ka-band U/L (MHz)  S-band D/L (MHz)    X-band D/L (MHz)      Ka-band D/L (MHz)
   1       34343.235337        2290.185185                                 31909.913578
   2       34348.789359        2290.555556                                 31915.074080
   3       34354.343365        2290.925926           8400.061729           31920.234569
   4       34359.897372        2291.296296           8401.419752           31925.395058
   5       34365.451394        2291.666667           8402.777779           31930.555560
   6       34371.005401        2292.037037           8404.135802           31935.716049
   7       34376.559407        2292.407407           8405.493826           31940.876538
   8       34382.113429        2292.777778           8406.851853           31946.037040
   9       34387.667436        2293.148148           8408.209876           31951.197529
   10      34393.221458        2293.518519           8409.567903           31956.358031
   11      34398.775465        2293.888889           8410.925926           31961.518520
   12      34404.329471        2294.259259           8412.283950           31966.679009
   13      34409.883493        2294.629630           8413.641977           31971.839511
   14      34415.437500        2295.000000           8415.000000           31977.000000
   15      34420.991507        2295.370370           8416.358023           31982.160489
   16      34426.545529        2295.740741           8417.716050           31987.320991
   17      34432.099535        2296.111111           8419.074074           31992.481480
   18      34437.653542        2296.481481           8420.432097           31997.641969
   19      34443.207564        2296.851852           8421.790124           32002.802471
   20      34448.761571        2297.222222           8423.148147           32007.962960
   21      34454.315593        2297.592593           8424.506174           32013.123462
   22      34459.869599        2297.962963           8425.864198           32018.283951
   23      34465.423606        2298.333333           8427.222221           32023.444440
   24      34470.977628        2298.703704           8428.580248           32028.604942
   25      34476.531635        2299.074074           8429.938271           32033.765431
   26      34482.085641        2299.444444           8431.296295           32038.925920
   27      34487.639663        2299.814815           8432.654322           32044.086422
   28      34493.193670                              8434.012345           32049.246911
   29      34498.747692                              8435.370372           32054.407414
   30      34504.301699                              8436.728395           32059.567902
   31      34509.855705                              8438.086419           32064.728391
   32      34515.409727                              8439.444446           32069.888894
   33      34520.963734                              8440.802469           32075.049382
   34      34526.517741                              8442.160492           32080.209871
   35      34532.071763                              8443.518519           32085.370373
   36      34537.625769                              8444.876543           32090.530862
   37      34543.179791                              8446.234570           32095.691365
   38      34548.733798                              8447.592593           32100.851853
   39      34554.287805                              8448.950616           32106.012342
   40      34559.841827                                                    32111.172845
   41      34565.395833                                                    32116.333333
   42      34570.949840                                                    32121.493822