Microwave Remote Sensing:

Radio Science Subsystem (RSS)

TL: Dr. Arvydas J. Kliore

RSS Team Leader:

Dr. Arvydas J. Kliore
NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Mail Stop 161-228
Pasadena, CA 91109-8099
USA

RSS General Description:

The Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) uses the spacecraft X-band communication link as well as S-band downlink and Ka-band uplink and downlink to study compositions, pressures, and temperatures of atmospheres and ionospheres, radial structure and particle size distribution within rings, body and system masses, and gravitational waves.

RSS Scientific Objectives:

To search for and characterize gravitational waves coming from beyond the solar system.
To study the solar corona and general relativity when Cassini passes behind the Sun.
To improve estimates of the masses and ephemerides of Saturn and its satellites.
To study the radial structure and particle size distribution within Saturn's rings.
To determine temperature and composition profiles within Saturn's/Titan's atmospheres.
To determine temperatures and electron densities within Saturn's/Titan's ionospheres.

RSS Transmitting and Receiving Frequencies:

Ka-band (T: 32.02344[NC] or 32.02860[CK] or 32.03377[CX] GHz; R: 34.31636 GHz)
X-band (T: 8.4272[NC] or 8.4299[CX] GHz; R: 7.175 GHz)
S-band (T: 2.29833[NC] or 2.29907[CX] Ghz)
[NC = non-coherent (transmit only); CK/CX = coherent with Ka-band/X-band uplink]

RSS Instrument Characteristics:

Mass (current best estimate) = 14.38 kg
Peak Operating Power (current best estimate) = 80.70 W
Peak Data Rate (current best estimate) = not applicable: carrier only (the RSS sensing devices are on Earth at the Deep Space Stations in California, Spain, and Australia)