International Space Station

L-3 Communication Systems - East (CS-E) was responsible for the design, development, fabrication, integration and test of the International Space Station Communication and Tracking System. This system provides real-time, space-based communications and external video from the Space Station to earth through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The Communication and Tracking hardware and software provide for the transmission, reception, signal processing and distribution of audio, telemetry, command, payload, video, text and graphics data. Signal processing functions include timing, synchronization, error detection/correction, ad multiplexing/de-multiplexing, and privacy protection.

The Station Communication and Tracking system is comprised of three subsystems: The Ku-band subsystem for transmission of video and high speed data to earth, the S-band subsystem for transmission of two-way voice commands to the space station and telemetry from the space station and External Video Subsystem. Ground support equipment designed to test each subsystem also was produced and shipped.

Points of Contact:
Paul Mellon, Program Manager, Space Communications
Bob Lisowski, Director, RF Systems