HOW A REAL DSN STATION IS BUILT

A beam waveguide antenna is designed so that sensitive electronics are relocated from the traditional feed cone in the center of the dish to an equipment room in the pedestal. This permits easier access for maintenance and future modification. The signal from a spacecraft is received by means of five precision radio frequency mirrors that reflect radio signals along a beam waveguide tube from the vertex of the antenna to the below-ground pedestal equipment room.

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Click on any photograph for a larger image.

	A suitable site with cleared land must be identified in order to start building as large and heavy a structure as a 34-meter antenna.
	The first step is to excavate for the pedestal (shown here in the center) and ramp (leading off to the left side). A construction work platform is leveled around the excavation. At this initial stage, all excavation is done mechanically to a depth of 2-3 meters.
	Depending on soil conditions at the site, often a carefully engineered and controlled blast is required to excavate to the necessary depth of around 10 meters. Resulting rubble is mechanically removed. It is important at this stage to make sure the bottom of the excavation is at the desired elevation so it is monitored closely with standard surveying techniques.
	To construct the pedestal, a concrete blind is poured to provide a level base platform. After the first layer of the concrete blind cures, a water barrier is installed before a second layer of concrete is poured. Work can then begin on forming the foundation for the rest of the pedestal.
	The pedestal footing is formed using rebar throughout and includes embedded conduits that run through the pedestal floor. Vertical rebar connects the footing and the pedestal walls.
	When the lower pedestal wall is complete, rebar is placed in readiness for the construction of the upper wall.

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