Basic Instrumentation Functions:

The basic function of the ARIA instrumentation system is to receive and record spacecraft and missile telemetry signals. In addition the telemetry data may be retransmitted to surface stations in real-time or post-mission as follows:

a. Real-time retransmission of low bit rate digital spacecraft data to the range user via UHF communication satellites and existing ground stations. This allows instantaneous analysis of critical events as they occur onboard the spacecraft.

b. Conversion of high to low bit rate digital data prior to retransmission. Using the data separation subsystem, the data is reformatted by an onboard computer so selected words are transmitted at a lower bit-rate. This in turn reduces the satellite bandwidth required for re transmission.

c. Real-time retransmission of data, line of sight via L-band frequencies, from selected EC-18Bs and the EC-135E.

d. Onboard measurement and time correlation of selected spacecraft parameters for voice report to the user via HF, UHF, or VHF transceivers or UHF and INMARSAT satellite.

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