CommCube-1: increased data downlink volume through the GlobalStar network
- Paper number
IAC-12,B4,6B,10,x14464
- Author
Ms. Rebecca Jensen-Clem, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Mary Knapp, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Ms. Alessandra Babuscia, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Prof. Sara Seager, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Ivan Sergeev, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Matthew Houston, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), United States
- Year
2012
- Abstract
CubeSats are trending toward greater capabilities and higher data volumes. Large data downlink volume will soon become a bottleneck for CubeSat performance. Current missions must build and operate their own ground stations, pay for time on an existing network of ground stations, or rely on the amateur radio community to retrieve their mission data. A better communications solution is needed to enable highly capable CubeSats to make significant contributions to science. CommCube-1 is a 2U CubeSat which will demonstrate a novel communications architecture for CubeSats. Rather than relying on links to individual ground stations, CommCube-1 will transmit and receive data using a GloablStar two-way data modem and the GlobalStar satellite constellation, acting as a satellite phone customer in low Earth orbit. This approach provides two key advantages: first, continuous coverage at moderate data rates will improve the maximum data volume transmitted per orbit; second, decreased command latency allows for rapid satellite response to commands from the ground. Low command latency will enable highly agile CubeSat constellations for investigation of terrestrial or astronomical transient phenomena. CommCube-1 will demonstrate these key advantages through a series of stepped tests, transmitting data packets of increasing size through the GlobalStar satellite constellation. CommCube-1 will also carry an S-band patch antenna and transceiver for comparison and backup purposes. A small Earth imager will provide meaningful data for communication tests in addition to serving educational outreach goals. CommCube-1 will tweet status updates and post to Facebook and other social media sites in order to engage the general public in its mission. Members of the public may engage actively with CommCube-1 by participating in competitions related to Earth image data from the spacecraft. Middle school and high school students will use CommCube-1 imaging and telemetry data as a part of their science curriculum to explore topics including electronics, orbital mechanics, measurement error and statistics, data processing and storage, and geography. Younger students (grades 1-6) will learn about satellites and space engineering through CommCube-1 Lego® kits designed by MIT students. CommCube-1 will launch in 2013-2014. This paper will describe CommCube-1’s subsystems with particular focus on the GlobalStar modem payload, the S-band communication system, and the Earth-imaging camera. A link budget for both communications systems will be presented as well as projected coverage and data rates for the GlobalStar link. CommCube-1’s on-orbit test plan and educational outreach activities will also be discussed.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-12,B4,6B,10,x14464.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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