4.2.3 Ground  Segment Video Architecture

    The ground video architecture  involves satellites in orbit that relay the video signal to the ground station  antennas. This allows for  continuous video reception with the MMVS on earths end of the transmission  system.  The TDRSS satellite system  is already existing and has been in operation for a number of years making it a  proven and well understood system.  This current system incorporates two-way communications in digital and analog. Due to the time delay effects the computers will be employed to  extrapolate messages to maintain real time communication for as long as  possible, due to the great distances. The following is the block diagram of the ground video  architecture:

Block Diagram of Video Architecture

Component and Function List

TDRSS: The current satillite system in space that is used to relay  signals to an earth ground station even when it is not in line of sight of the  spacecraft.

Satellite Transmitters: To transmit the signal to the earth antenna's at the ground station.

Ground Based Antenna: To send and receive signals from the TDRSS system.

Signal Decoder and Encoder:  To  code or decode the signals to guard against outside disruptions in the mission  command structure.

Computer Processing: To process a signal into a real time message and to interpret the telemetry from the craft.

Display System: Touch screens for easily response to enquires for  information.

Video Cameras: To capture  the video images for transfer.