The Challenges of Intra-Spacecraft Wireless Data Interfacing

Paper number

IAC-07-B4.7.08

Author

Mr. Rouzbeh Amini, Delft University of Technology, The Netherlands

Coauthor

Mr. Georgi N. Gaydadijev, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands

Coauthor

Prof. Eberhard Gill, Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), The Netherlands

Year

2007

Abstract

The rapid development of wireless data communication and networking technologies affects communication by providing greater access to devices with fewer infrastructures. In the design of spacecrafts, where mass and modularity are key design requirements, employing a partially or completely wireless interfacing for the Command and Data Handling System (CDHS) is of at most importance and promotes wireless networking techniques. Besides, wireless data interfacing potentially enriches the  data handling network of the vehicle by introducing innovative features such as: plug-and-play, online network reconfiguration, remote data monitoring, self-organizing, advanced network control, and higher degree of autonomy. Wireless CDHS solutions are already flown on a number of vehicles with onboard RF or optical wireless links.

The computer and data handling system of a spacecraft can be categorized as a sensor/actuator network. Sensor networks for monitoring and control have been in existence for several years but the adoption of this technology to space applications is still a great challenge. Despite the fact that many reliable and feature-rich communication protocols have been developed and are commercially available, there are still a number of unanswered questions to be addressed. How can the system level design strategies improve the reliability of the system? Which type of network topology and configuration could be used to optimize Fault Detection, Isolation and Recovery (FDIR)? How to increase autonomy of the network without sacrificing the reliability? 

This paper surveys the recent activities related to intra-spacecraft wireless data communication and compares the major wireless networking techniques to identify the challenges and elaborate potential answers to the above raised questions.

Abstract document

IAC-07-B4.7.08.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-07-B4.7.08.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

To get the manuscript, please contact IAF Secretariat.