| The Ionospheric Observation Nanosatellite-Formation is a joint venture by three universities, namely, Utah State University, University of Washington, and Virginia Polytechnic Institute. The main objective of this paper is to describe the requirements, design approach and implementation of a communication subsystem for the ION-F constellation. In addition to this, it also presents various areas for future work and improvement.; The system-level requirements have been identified and communication links have been simulated using Satellite Tool Kit (STK)(R.). Link Budgets have been theoretically calculated as well as obtained using the STK(R) communication module. The results thus obtained validate the system design.; The ION-F communication system has been divided into four main categories for ease of understanding. The spacecraft communication system deals with all the flight hardware and software required by satellites. The ground communication system involves two ground stations located at USU and Virginia Tech which will jointly operate and service the three satellites. The amateur/public communication system accounts for the on-board autonomous GPS/telemetry beacon, which allows thousands of ground stations around the world to keep track of our satellites. The cross-link communication system provided by the Applied Physics Laboratory will be integrated with the current communication design. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)... |
