Systems Design of a Deep-Space Microsatellite Platform for Mars Communication and Navigation Constellation
- Paper number
IAC-21,B4,9-GTS.5,1,x64146
- Author
Mrs. Valentina Marchese, Italy, Argotec
- Coauthor
Mr. Luca Vigna, Italy, Argotec
- Coauthor
Mr. Alessandro Novero, Italy, Argotec
- Coauthor
Mrs. Francesca Ingiosi, Italy, Argotec
- Coauthor
Mr. Federico Miglioretti, Italy, Argotec
- Coauthor
Mr. Simone Simonetti, Italy, Argotec
- Coauthor
Ms. Stefania Cornara, Spain, Deimos Space S.L.
- Coauthor
Mr. Pablo Hermosin, Spain, Deimos Space SLU
- Coauthor
Dr. Stefania Tonetti, Spain, Deimos Space SLU
- Coauthor
Prof. Luciano Iess, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome
- Coauthor
Mr. Paolo Racioppa, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome
- Coauthor
Mr. Daniele Durante, Italy, Sapienza University of Rome
- Coauthor
Mr. Giovanni Pandolfi, Italy, Leaf Space s.r.l.
- Coauthor
Mr. Davide Melli, Italy, Leaf Space s.r.l.
- Coauthor
Mr. Stefan-Vlad Tudor, Italy, Leaf Space s.r.l.
- Coauthor
Dr. Stephen Lingard, United Kingdom, Vorticity Ltd
- Coauthor
Mr. John Underwood, United Kingdom, Vorticity Ltd
- Coauthor
Dr. Louis Walpot, The Netherlands, ESA - European Space Agency
- Year
2021
- Abstract
The Mars Communication and Navigation (MCN) mission is a multi-satellite constellation mission comprising several deep-space microsatellites that shall prototype key technologies and provide an Earth-Mars communication and navigation infrastructure to enable a broad range of future exploration missions at Mars without the burden of having an expensive Earth link. The mission shall serve as a pioneer Comms/Nav network at Mars. The critical challenge lies in communicating with several users and relaying a high volume of data, in the order of few GB per day, and providing accurate positioning in the order of few metres for users simultaneously for 15 years. This work focuses on the systems design of the deep-space microsatellite platforms used for MCN to satisfy the performance objectives. It delineates the mission characteristics pertaining to the transport and deployment of the microsatellites in a Walker-type constellation at Mars. System level requirements are defined and the principal design characteristics of the system, the key design constraints, and rationale behind the design choices are expounded. To address the challenge of communication, the system utilises a K-Band antenna and an S-Band patch array for Forward/Return link with orbiters, autonomous rovers, landers/ascenders, and human landing missions at Mars. A Ka-Band deployable dish antenna is utilised to relay the user data via a larger Gateway/Relay satellite to the Earth ground stations. A multi-channel deep-space transponder is utilised for near-real time data relay and navigation service. Detailed link budgets are presented that fulfil the Earth link data rate requirement of $\sim$9 Mbps. To provide GNSS-like service at Mars, the system houses an on-board atomic clock for providing high accuracy positioning. The system utilises equipment that are Commercial Off-The-Shelf (COTS), some with modifications, to obtain a cost-effective solution. A novel design concept is used for solar arrays and the electrical power system to satisfy the large power needs. The system also utilises an in-house on-board processing and data handling system as well as in-house power control and distribution unit. The key technologies that require further development are also highlighted. Finally, system budgets are obtained to show design feasibility and the structural composition of the MCN microsatellite platform is detailed. The overall mass of the platform is $\sim$70 kg with a 27+U Cubic form factor. The MCN project is funded under ESA ITT Grant No. 40000131323/20/NL/MG
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
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