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.

	The beam waveguide mirrors are placed in the steel tube segments in readiness for installation amongst the alidade structural beams. The beam waveguide tube transfers the radio frequency energy from the focus of the main reflector into the pedestal room to the receiver.
	The main reflector panels are assembled by another contracted manufacturer. These panels are made of a bonded aluminum material with each row of panels having a unique shape. The completed antenna dish has nine rows comprising nearly 350 individual panels.
	Another major item fabricated from steel is the quadripod structure that sits in the center of the dish, the main reflector, and supports the subreflector. It undergoes trial erection and alignment checks while still at the factory.
	The inner ribs of the antenna's big dish are assembled, in preparation for the outer reflector rib sections to be added.
	The outer ribs of the main reflector structure are installed, aligned, and welded on site.
	The elevation wheel is installed, and the alidade nears completion as the last members and work platforms at elevation bearing level are welded.

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