Three Corner Sat Constellation - New Mexico State University: Communications, LEO Telecommunications Services, Intersatellite Communications, and Ground Stations and Network

Three Corner Sat Constellation - New Mexico State University: Communications, LEO Telecommunications Services, Intersatellite Communications, and Ground Stations and Network

The Three Corner Satellite Constellation is part of the AFOSRlDARP A University Nanosatellite program. This project is a joint effort among Arizona State University (ASU), University of Colorado at Boulder (CU), and New Mexico State University (NMSU). The constellation will consist of three identical nanosatellites, that will demonstrate stereo imaging, innovative command and data handling, and formation flying with RF communications and a possibility of cellular phone communications through LEO telecommunications satellites. To achieve mission objectives, the satellites in the constellation and the ground communications network will need to be designed as a cooperative communications and control network that will allow the satellites in the constellation to form a virtual formation. In this paper, we will present the necessary communications and control architecture for the space segment and the ground segment to form this virtual formation that are NMSU's responsibility in the program. Companion papers describe the respective areas of responsibility of the other partners: ASU -Project Management; Electrical Power System; Structures, Mechanisms, Thermal, and Radiation; Attitude/Orbit Determination and Control; Micropropulsion experiment; and • Integration; CU -- Command & Data Handling, Distributed Operations, Stereoscopic Imaging, Science Operations, and Spacecraft Operations.