The planned configuration is shown in the figure above. In the
central communications termal (CCT) at JPL, the incomming
Viking Lander engineering data ( 8-1/3 bits/sec. )and science
data ( 1 kbits/sec. ) was fed to a data set with FTS dial-up
capability to a corresponding data set at UW. The data stream
was buffered at this point prior to entry into the UW data
processor. In addition to the real-time link described above,
the Data Records Generator in CCT at JPL continued to record
the incomming data to make the IDR for nonreal-time delivery
to UW.
By May 1982, the real-time system had been set up, and on May
14 real-time Viking Lander data was transmitted to UW from
JPL. The purpose of the transmissions was to test the
4.8-kbits/se. data-link modifications at JPL, and to test the
capability of receiving and decoding data at UW. This was
accomplished successfully on interm data processing equipment
then available at UW. By October 1982, regular Viking
transmissions were taking place using a permanent installation
at UW.
Implementation of the link to the Smithsonian was well
advanced by October 1982, and plans were being made to open
the display in the Aair and Spave Museum to the general public
by the end of the year.
High resolution version of above Real Time Diagram
Real Time downlink from Mars to University of
Washington.