Background and justification:
A substantial amount of research has been invested into nanosatellite space-to-ground and space-to-space communication, however, the challenge of data exchange and management is still unsolved for effective constellation management and operation. With 3000 nanosatellites expected to launch during the next 6 years, effective and reliable inter-satellite communication and high-speed downlinks are still a challenge to achieve.
Objective(s):
The aim of this research is to find a new approach to how satellites can interact with each other and with ground stations, ensuring an appropriate data transmission with limited resources. Proposed solutions have to address quality of service requirements, resource constraints on satellites, large satellite constellations, etc.
Achievements and status:
The project team formulated the technological concept for the solution after a detailed analysis of current relevant scientific research and technologies in use. Based on data distribution services (DDS) standard proposed system architecture was identified and described, together with exhaustive system requirements and technical documentation.
Results of this phase, ready to be used for further prototype development:
- System requirements document;
- System technical documentation;
- System architecture;
- Data exchange formats documentation
Benefits:
Performed system requirements and usage constraints analysis put the firm groundwork for further system development. Proposed solutions were reviewed and validated by industry experts and are ready for use in system prototype development.
Next steps:
The following phase will be advancing TLR 3 system concept to the prototype phase, validating assumptions, proposed solutions, and system architecture in a laboratory environment jointly with potential system users. It is expected to reach TLR 4 in the year 2021 and TLR 5 in later activities.