Why does the communications connection time at the South Pole vary each day?
There are several things that affect the connection time: Satellite Overlap The satellites have overlapping pass windows (i.e., the time a satellite is visible). When South Pole Station actually uses the satellite for communications, it is called an event. Events always occur within pass windows. See the Satellite Pass Windows Graphic . The plot and table show when satellites are visible at South Pole for December 5 through 6, 2009. Notice the GOES/TDRS F4 and TDRS F5/F6 overlap. South Pole can use only one satellite at a time during an overlap. Using GOES and all of the TDRS F5 pass windows represents a best case for event schedule for South Pole Station. That would give 11 hours and 14 minutes of communications time. The South Pole Event Schedule Graphic summarizes the actual event schedule for December 5 through 6, 2009. The F5 pass window is broken up into three events. For GOES the entire pass window is always available; therefore, GOES pass windows and events are always the same.
Related Questions
- There has been discussion that the contractor will have to close South Oxford at North Decatur for a period of time. What are the plans to deal with traffic circulation during this phase?
- I am an international student studying for a bachelor degree full time at a south east Queensland university. Am I entitled to any concessions on urban public transport?
- What is the time difference from Washington,Seattle and South Africa,Johannesburg?
