Lecture 9: Spacecraft Communications

Author: Leon Thomm Date: 14.10.2024 Exercise: Exercise 9: Space Com Lecturer: Reto Muff Reading Ass: 16 Summaries: Communication (../../Communication%2082dca2f0477246a9a411dccdbc834425.md)

Content Summary:

• Space flight comms use cases, mission architectures, free space comms, CommsConOps (TCTM, constellations, data relay, deep-space)
• RF and laser link design, data rate, latency, reliability, regulatory constraints
• Link budgeting: wavelength plan, transmit power, antenna gain, losses, error rate correction, environmental impact
• Security protocols, encryption, intra-satellite data routing
• Comms equipment requirements, design, performance analysis, emerging technology trends, QKD, PNT applications

Learning Outcomes:

• Understanding on different comms use cases, their specific requirements and trade spaces
• Master high level architecting , trade-offs and sizing of comms infrastructures and understand state-of-the-art technical and regulatory limitations
• Master communication and tracking link budgets for RF and laser links
• Understand and assess impact on and from satellite infrastructure and environment
• Breaking down requirements for communication sub-systems
• Understanding of on-going evolution trendes