Difference between revisions of "Communications Systems"
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| − | ==Radio== | + | ==Light Speed== |
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The [[habitat]] uses radio waves to comunicate with [[Mission Control]]. The [[habitat]] radio system, known as [[CAPCOM]], uses amplitude modulation; as it is not affected by the dopler effect. This method of comunication is suitable mainly for audio - video comunications, with limited capacity for computer file transfers. This is because the signal looses strength over great distances because of the difuse nature of radio waves. Radio is also easily affected by interference; reducing the information transfer rate. | The [[habitat]] uses radio waves to comunicate with [[Mission Control]]. The [[habitat]] radio system, known as [[CAPCOM]], uses amplitude modulation; as it is not affected by the dopler effect. This method of comunication is suitable mainly for audio - video comunications, with limited capacity for computer file transfers. This is because the signal looses strength over great distances because of the difuse nature of radio waves. Radio is also easily affected by interference; reducing the information transfer rate. | ||
| − | ==Laser== | + | ===Laser=== |
For the transfer of large files such as astronaut biomeds, digital pictures and maps, the astronauts use a laser-based comunications system to comunicate with earth. Known as [[AUXCOM]], this system uses a light emitter and reciever to communicate. The laser beam, usualy in the infrared of ultraviolet, carries digital information, which is recieved by a laser reciever on the other end. One set of light recievers and emitters are onboard the [[habitat]], whereas the other set is onboard a satalite orbiting earth. The recieving satalite is used so that the light waves are not affected by the scattering effects of earth's atmosphere. Upon recieving the light signal, the satalite beams down the information to [[Mission Control]] via traditional radio waves. | For the transfer of large files such as astronaut biomeds, digital pictures and maps, the astronauts use a laser-based comunications system to comunicate with earth. Known as [[AUXCOM]], this system uses a light emitter and reciever to communicate. The laser beam, usualy in the infrared of ultraviolet, carries digital information, which is recieved by a laser reciever on the other end. One set of light recievers and emitters are onboard the [[habitat]], whereas the other set is onboard a satalite orbiting earth. The recieving satalite is used so that the light waves are not affected by the scattering effects of earth's atmosphere. Upon recieving the light signal, the satalite beams down the information to [[Mission Control]] via traditional radio waves. | ||
The disadvantage is that satalite used to relay messages to and from [[Mission Control]] orbits the earth. Therefor, [[AUXCOM]] may only be used when the satalite's orbit takes it between the habitat and earth. Because of this, AUXCOM is used for [[biomeds]] and other such data while [[CAPCOM]] is used for continuous comunications with [[Mission Control]]. | The disadvantage is that satalite used to relay messages to and from [[Mission Control]] orbits the earth. Therefor, [[AUXCOM]] may only be used when the satalite's orbit takes it between the habitat and earth. Because of this, AUXCOM is used for [[biomeds]] and other such data while [[CAPCOM]] is used for continuous comunications with [[Mission Control]]. | ||
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| + | ==Faster than Light== | ||
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| + | ===IEST=== | ||
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| + | For longer missions (ie beyond the asteroid belt), the [[Habitat]] is equipted with an experimental Instantaneous Electron Spin Transmitter (IEST). This system opperates on the principle that when an atom is split apart, one is able to alter the spin of an electron on one fragment by altering the spin on an electron on the other fragment without ever touching the first fragment. This works no matter how far appart the atom fragments are, and the change is always instentaneous. | ||
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| + | The IEST consists of two metal disks coated in ionized atom fragments. One disk is placed on the [[Habitat]] and the other in [[Mission Control]. A ferromagnetic needle is passed over the disks to change the spin of certain electrons. The corresponding electrons are altered on the other disk. This system can be easily installed on a normal computer; taking the place of a hard drive. The disks are the same size as hard drive disks; and the needle of a hard drive reader is already ferromagnetic to begin with. Thus; by using this setup; we are able to transmit digital information such as audio and video channels, as well as computer files such as biomends and experiment results. | ||
Revision as of 22:25, 17 April 2006
Light Speed
Radio
The habitat uses radio waves to comunicate with Mission Control. The habitat radio system, known as CAPCOM, uses amplitude modulation; as it is not affected by the dopler effect. This method of comunication is suitable mainly for audio - video comunications, with limited capacity for computer file transfers. This is because the signal looses strength over great distances because of the difuse nature of radio waves. Radio is also easily affected by interference; reducing the information transfer rate.
Laser
For the transfer of large files such as astronaut biomeds, digital pictures and maps, the astronauts use a laser-based comunications system to comunicate with earth. Known as AUXCOM, this system uses a light emitter and reciever to communicate. The laser beam, usualy in the infrared of ultraviolet, carries digital information, which is recieved by a laser reciever on the other end. One set of light recievers and emitters are onboard the habitat, whereas the other set is onboard a satalite orbiting earth. The recieving satalite is used so that the light waves are not affected by the scattering effects of earth's atmosphere. Upon recieving the light signal, the satalite beams down the information to Mission Control via traditional radio waves.
The disadvantage is that satalite used to relay messages to and from Mission Control orbits the earth. Therefor, AUXCOM may only be used when the satalite's orbit takes it between the habitat and earth. Because of this, AUXCOM is used for biomeds and other such data while CAPCOM is used for continuous comunications with Mission Control.
Faster than Light
IEST
For longer missions (ie beyond the asteroid belt), the Habitat is equipted with an experimental Instantaneous Electron Spin Transmitter (IEST). This system opperates on the principle that when an atom is split apart, one is able to alter the spin of an electron on one fragment by altering the spin on an electron on the other fragment without ever touching the first fragment. This works no matter how far appart the atom fragments are, and the change is always instentaneous.
The IEST consists of two metal disks coated in ionized atom fragments. One disk is placed on the Habitat and the other in [[Mission Control]. A ferromagnetic needle is passed over the disks to change the spin of certain electrons. The corresponding electrons are altered on the other disk. This system can be easily installed on a normal computer; taking the place of a hard drive. The disks are the same size as hard drive disks; and the needle of a hard drive reader is already ferromagnetic to begin with. Thus; by using this setup; we are able to transmit digital information such as audio and video channels, as well as computer files such as biomends and experiment results.
