National Aeronautics and Space Administration

www.nasa.gov

NASA’s Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities Project

Hugh L. Dryden Aeronautical Test 

Range (DATR)

The Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR) is part of the Flight Demonstrations and 

Capabilities Project, which conducts complex and integrated flight research demonstrations 

in support of ARMD programs.

NASA Armstrong Flight Research Center’s Dryden Aeronautical Test Range (DATR) supports 

aerospace flight research and technology integration, space exploration concepts, airborne 

remote sensing, and a wide variety of science missions.

The DATR supplies a comprehensive set of resources for the control and monitoring 

of flight activities, real-time acquisition and reduction of research data, and effective 

communication of information to flight and ground crews.

Facility Benefits

• Precision RADAR provides time space positioning information

(TSPI) on research vehicles, International Space Station (ISS), and 

other targets, including satellites.

• Fixed and mobile telemetry antennas receive real-time telemetry 

data and video and have the capability to transmit uplink commands to research vehicles.

• The processed data is displayed at the engineering stations in the 

mission control center and archived in a post-flight storage area.

• Audio communication networks support aeronautics research

and space operations in the DATR, covering 

a broad frequency spectrum for transmitting 

and receiving voice communications and 

flight termination signals for unmanned aerial 

vehicles. 

• Video monitoring provides real-time and 

recorded data for the control and safety of 

flight test missions.
Facility Applications

The DATR supports aerospace flight research and technology integration, 

space exploration concepts, airborne remote sensing and science 

missions, as well as the ISS operations. 

Characteristics

DATR Mission Control Centers

• 26 test engineering stations in MCC1 and 17 in MCC2 including:

− Communications (radio and intercom) panels

− Video monitors,

− Weather data

− IRIG-B timing

− Specialized graphics displays.

• Range and mission control, test operations, range safety and test 

director consoles provide critical analysis and display capabilities.

DATR mobile systems

• Available for rapid deployment to a specified location on short notice. 

These systems provide.

− Radio-frequency communication

− Video and telemetry-tracking support

− Telemetry tracking for test missions outside local airspace 

boundaries

− Uplink commands to research vehicles

Data Acquisition and Processing

Data is acquired and merged from multiple sources in various formats to 

a single, time-correlated, composite stream for processing, distribution, 

real-time display, and storage archival. Segments of post-mission data 

are immediately available on portable media. Post-flight RADAR data 

can also be provided if requested. The mobile operations system can 

process and display data onsite, or reformat data and transmit it to a 

customer’s facility.

Telemetry

DATR telemetry tracking systems consist of:

• Multiple fixed antennas and available mobile systems.

− Downlinked telemetry and video signals in C-, L-, and S-brands.

− Uplinked commands in either L- or S-bands.

− Track targets from horizon to horizon.

− Certified for full on-orbit capability. Downlinked telemetry may be 

received in either analog or digital format.

Communications

Extensive Range Intercommunication system (DICES System) 

consisting of:

− Over a hundred 30 channel communications panels

− interconnects with Commercial telephone systems

− Links to Military ground-communication networks.

− Links to multiple other NASA Centers.

− Extensive ground-based fiber optics.

− Interface with the RF communications system

• Radio Frequency (RF) Communications 

including:

− 26 VHF/UHF Transceivers

− 3 UHF High Gain Omni Antennas

− 3 UHF Parabolic Dish Directional 

Antennas

− 2 High Frequency (HF) Transceiver 

systems with High Gain Log antenna

− 2 Broadband (100–1000 MHz, AM & FM) 

Transceivers

• International Space Stations (ISS) 

Emergency Communications system 

comprised of:

− 2 ISS VHF FM Transceivers

− 2 Soyuz VHF FM Transceivers

− 4 VHF Directional Antennas

Flight Termination Systems

• 4 UHF IRIG/EFTS flight termination systems

− 4 FTS high gain Omni antennas

Radar

• Two high-accuracy, C-band instrumentation 

radars.

Video

• Numerous fixed and mobile camera systems 

for flight monitoring, safety and mission 

control

• Long-range, broadcast-quality, 4K 

high-definition optical tracking system 

providing day and night (including infrared) 

coverage.

• High Definition coverage of the flight line, 

ramp areas, and runways.

• Mobile video vans

− Capability to relay live-action imagery via 

microwave links.

− Capability to relay live-action imagery via 

ground video van C-Band TM uplink.

− Downlinked video from research vehicles or 

chase aircraft can be received in C-, L-, or 

S-band frequencies.

− Video recordings provided on DVD, 

Blue-Ray, Solid State Drives, SD memory 

cards and file transfer.

NASA’s Flight Demonstrations and Capabilities Project www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/programs/iasp/fdc

Contact Information

www.nasa.gov/aeroresearch/programs/iasp/fdc

Kari Alvarado

DATR Asset Manager

Armstrong Flight Research Center

661-276-2559

E-mail: kari.m.alvarado@nasa.gov

M–1870–17

Feb 2022