Data Relay Services for LEO/MEO missions using GEO satellites: System Architecture and Commercial Potential
- Paper number
IAC-07-D1.4.03
- Author
Mr. Francesco Ratti, European Space Agency (ESA)/ESTEC, The Netherlands
- Coauthor
Mr. Heiko Damerow, German Aerospace Center (DLR), Germany
- Coauthor
Mr. Joerg Kreisel, JOERG KREISEL International Consultant (JKIC), Germany
- Year
2007
- Abstract
Background: In recent years LEO missions required more and more bandwith. With the new generation of Earth observation missions optical sensors and RF synthetic aperture radar (SAR) are expected to require very high data rate to allow for near real time distribution of the data to service providers for processing and for generating valuable information. The information generated from the raw data is linked to image resolution, monitoring frequency, coverage and size of observation area and possibility of timely processing and delivering to the end user. LEO missions for Earth observations or scientific purposes typically communicate data using Ground Stations (GS) located in polar regions where contact time can be achieved with the LEO satellite during part of the orbit depending on the latitude of the ground station. GS capacity is limited by the contact time with the satellite which is typically few minutes per orbit for a LEO mission. In order to download high volumes of data it is necessary to use high-speed link. The increasing number of LEO missions requires continuous upgrading and increase of GS capacity.
Focus: A GEO satellite Data Relay Service (DRS) offers the potential to address the needs of the new generation of Earth Observation Missions. In the recent years Artemis (ESA) has demonstrated the optical inter-satellite link between LEO and GEO, servicing the Envisat (ESA) mission. This technology offers a high data rate transfer and is not affected by the influence of the atmosphere as is the case for LEO to GS. Recently the European Commission started the TANGO programme (Telecommunications Advanced Networks for GMES Operations) which i.e. explores the possibility of servicing GMES missions using GEO data relay. The programme addresses the need of the space industry for high data rate and high capacity solutions to satisfy the requirements of future GMES missions.
Identified solution: This paper emphasizes on a system engineering approach to identify main stakeholders for such Data Relay Service. A conceptual architecture is being proposed and discussed. In addition, major cost drivers of the system are being identified and assumptions for an associated business case are made. Findings proof that profitability is linked to the number of LEO mission served, which will increase over the years, but will also depend on a common technological platform for the intersatellite link as well as on the reliability of such service.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-07-D1.4.03.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.