How do they work and are they as effective as a high gain antenna?
Leary: The MESSENGER phased-array antennas allowed us to have a more reliable spacecraft. The phased-array antennas actually do not move and they’re electronically steered, as opposed to other deep-space missions, which have a large gimbaled gimbaled antenna. They don’t have as high a data throughput as a high-gain gimbaled antenna, but they work well enough for our mission. Nail: We appreciate you being here with us today, James, and look forward to a successful launch. Leary: Thank you, Tiffany. Nail: MESSENGER will be launched into orbit using an ELV or, Expendable Launch Vehicle. It takes years of hard work in engineering, science and technology to prepare for a launch like MESSENGER. In a few minutes, NASA’s launch manager, Chuck Dovale will be here to share more about the launch process. But first, NASA Launch Commentator George Diller has this behind-the-scenes look at the “A to Z’s” of ELVs. NASA Direct! Presents: A Look At NASA’s Launch Services Program Five, four, three, two,
