Next on the pad: the E-band technology demonstration CubeSat EIVE

Paper number

IAC-22,B4,IP,10,x70045

Author

Mr. Markus T. Koller, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mrs. Lena Bötsch-Zavřel, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Thorben Löffler, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Markus Kranz, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Lukas-Maximilian Loidold, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Jakob Meier, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Robin Müller, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Andreas Pahler, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Ms. Susann Pätschke, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Simon Haußmann, Germany, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Ms. Laura Manoliu, Germany, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Benjamin Schoch, Germany, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Dr. Jens Freese, Germany, Tesat-Spacecom GmbH & Co. KG

Coauthor

Mr. Ralf Henneberger, Germany, RPG Radiometer Physics GmbH

Coauthor

Dr. Fabian Steinmetz, Germany, Thales Alenia Space Germany

Coauthor

Dr. Axel Tessmann, Germany

Coauthor

Prof. Ingmar Kallfass, Germany, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Prof. Sabine Klinkner, Germany, IRS, University of Stuttgart

Coauthor

Mr. Cedric Holeczek, Germany, KSat e.V.

Coauthor

Mr. Robin Schweigert, Germany, Institute of Space Systems, University of Stuttgart

Year

2022

Abstract

\noindent The Exploratory In-orbit Verification of an E-band link (EIVE) CubeSat project has the goal to launch a 71-76 GHz E-band transmitter as a technology demonstration mission into outer space. \\
The demonstration of the feasibility of a link in the E-band radio frequency spectrum is of major interest due to the ability to transmit data at high rates of multiple GB/s. 
Thus, this technology has the potential to advance the abilities of broadband data links and could boost 5G and satellite internet capabilities. However, just as laser communication, the influence of rain loss degrades the performance of radio links at high carrier frequencies. Therefore, the EIVE mission wants to investigate the effects of the link geometry and the influence of atmospheric attenuation on the link characteristics. The E-band transmitter can handle pseudo-random bit sequences, sent in different modulation formats and transmission rates. Additionally, it can transmit real data and an uncompressed 4K live video stream to the ground station at the University of Stuttgart. 
The EIVE project started in 2019 and is currently scheduled for launch in October 2022.\\
The driving factor behind many of the design decisions of the satellite platform are the specific requirements of the E-band transmitter payload, especially in terms of power consumption, thermal dissipation and pointing accuracy. Furthermore, the 6U CubeSat size poses a major constraint and imposes challenges regarding the accommodation of the E-band transmitter as well as the equipment necessary to operate it. This paper introduces the design of the EIVE satellite and shows how these challenges were managed.\\
The conduct tests and the results of the verification campaign are presented in this paper. 
During functional testing, the satellite is brought into the modes of operation where the software, data handling, and power consumption are monitored. Special attention is paid to the attitude control tests. These include measuring the magnetic dipole moment of the satellite, calibrating the magnetometers within the self-developed Helmholtz test cage, and stimulating the sun sensors and the star tracker, among other tests.
The EIVE CubeSat must be compliant with the IRS ground station as well as the GSOC/DLR ground stations. Thus, end-to-end tests with the S-band telemetry and telecommand system are conducted to show that both the physical and the data connection are working. 
Finally, thermal vacuum and vibration testing proof the thermal and mechanical design.\\

\noindent The EIVE project is funded by the DLR and BMWK under grant number 50RK1960.

Abstract document

IAC-22,B4,IP,10,x70045.brief.pdf

Manuscript document

IAC-22,B4,IP,10,x70045.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).

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