Session
Technical Session I: Private Endeavors
Abstract
The use of small satellites has increased significantly over the last 5-10 years, and their popularity and use continues to grow. This is evidenced by the now common rideshare launches, for example the November 2013 launch of 32 satellites on a Dnepr. As the small satellite revolution continues, the challenge has shifted from space access to downlinking payload data in a cost effective and timely manner. To address this emerging market need, Spaceflight, Inc. has launched Spaceflight Networks, a business dedicated to cost effective spacecraft communications services. Spaceflight Networks is deploying a global network of ground stations to enable timely spacecraft tasking, telemetry, and high bandwidth payload downlinking. The network will support UHF, S-, and X-band frequencies, and will be expanded into higher frequencies as required to meet customer needs. The first ground station, located in Tonsina, Alaska (62° N), will be operational Q4 2014, and additional ground stations are coming online in 2015 and 2016. This paper discusses trends in small satellite launches that motivate the planned ground station network, factors such as communications latency that drive the ground station locations, and technical capabilities of the network architecture.
Spaceflight Networks – A New Paradigm for Cost Effective Satellite Communications
The use of small satellites has increased significantly over the last 5-10 years, and their popularity and use continues to grow. This is evidenced by the now common rideshare launches, for example the November 2013 launch of 32 satellites on a Dnepr. As the small satellite revolution continues, the challenge has shifted from space access to downlinking payload data in a cost effective and timely manner. To address this emerging market need, Spaceflight, Inc. has launched Spaceflight Networks, a business dedicated to cost effective spacecraft communications services. Spaceflight Networks is deploying a global network of ground stations to enable timely spacecraft tasking, telemetry, and high bandwidth payload downlinking. The network will support UHF, S-, and X-band frequencies, and will be expanded into higher frequencies as required to meet customer needs. The first ground station, located in Tonsina, Alaska (62° N), will be operational Q4 2014, and additional ground stations are coming online in 2015 and 2016. This paper discusses trends in small satellite launches that motivate the planned ground station network, factors such as communications latency that drive the ground station locations, and technical capabilities of the network architecture.
