Prof.
Pawel Kabacik
(Wroclaw University of Sciences and Technologies)
The paper presents miniaturization results of our research aiming at development of the onboard communication and data handling system for small satellites:
(i) 10 Mbps 2W S-band radio transmitter sharing on-board data handling tasks with the satellite computers
(ii) S-band antenna being a part of the presented communication subsystem
All submodules are developed in-house as the customized design. The work was performed over a dozen year under ESA Education and various Engineering Departments. The system has passed space qualification procedure in 2015 and is being prepared for implemention into the flight model of the ESEO microsatellite. After presenting main features of the system developed, the paper is focused on hardware and software optimization aspects. There are three printed boards in the device: digital, microwave and dc supply unit. Among main constraints were power consumption by the device (no more than 10 Watts). The optimization of the digital part was concentrated on CCSDS channel coding and optimum use of the integrated modulation circuit (a single COTS circuit) and the satellite 32 to 128 MB mass storage (the size of the storage is adjustable to the mission requirements). The mass of the space qualified unit is under close to 0.7 kg.
The microwave part comprises power amplification, filtering and impedance matching circuits. As the transmitter may operates close to the 10 MHz subband for communication with the deep space spacecraft, a special measures were used to meet requirements for spurious radiation in this frequency range (2290-2300 MHz).
The paper presents the antenna developed for the system. The antenna has shaped radiation pattern to enable faster data exchange when satellite is at low elevation angles. A great accomplishment is lightweight antenna structure: the total mass of the S-band antenna is between 35 and 40 grams, depending on fixation and grounding details.
The paper presents several results of tests both for the transmitter and for the antenna, including thermal-vacuum tests. The attention is given to dc supply testing that must meet dozens of safety requirements assuring the dc busses of the spacecraft remains intact regardless adverse developments at the transmitter in a case of failure.
Short Speaker Information
Dr. Pawel Kabacik is a head of the R&D Group specializing in Telecommunications Onboard Electronics for Spacecraft and Other Means of Transportation at the School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Wroclaw University of Technology. The Group develops new technologies for aerospace and maritime uses.
His research interests is focused on antenna and RF/microwave technologies for harsh environment applications. This includes but is not limited to space and aerospace engineering, satellites, manned and cargo space transportation such as for re-entry missions, maritime radar and broadband at sea. Special attention in his research is given to modern day radar with focus on early warning functions serving needs of environment protection and to operate with UAV platforms. Recent credits for his research include being a Principal Investigator to projects on broadband at sea, antennas for re-entry flights, for applications at UAVs and for search&rescue services, near-field measuring systems, spaceborne antennas and complete communication equipment for use onboard minisatellites. He received several recognitions for his research work, of which the most valuable is the 2000 IEEE Harold A. Wheeler Applications Prize Paper Award Honorable Mention.
| CONTRACT FRAME (ARTES, ITI, TRP, GSTP, NPI, ...) |
ESEO, PECS 98100
|
| BUDGET (k€) |
500
|
| ENTITIES (Including country) |
Wroclaw University of Sciences and Technology (Poland)
|
| Proposed Duration |
30'
|
Prof.
Pawel Kabacik
(Wroclaw University of Sciences and Technologies)
There are no materials yet.
