Session
Session 10: Ground Systems
Abstract
GNU Radio is a free software library that provides the software tools to implement software defined radios. Using GNU Radio and commercially available software defined radios the team at The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) implemented a cost effective, flexible ground station. In November 2017 NRL launched the CHEFSat CubeSat aboard the OA-8 ISS resupply mission. Since the deployment of CHEFSat in December 2017 this ground architecture has supported all satellite operations without the need of traditional ground equipment. The CHEFSat mission required multiple downlink bitrates (50-400 kbps) as well as the option for forward error correction. This paper will go over the design and test processes used to go from concept to operations using GNU Radio. The merits and risks of using GNU Radio will be discussed as well.
Cost Effective, Flexible Ground Architecture Using Software Defined Radio and GNU Radio
GNU Radio is a free software library that provides the software tools to implement software defined radios. Using GNU Radio and commercially available software defined radios the team at The Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) implemented a cost effective, flexible ground station. In November 2017 NRL launched the CHEFSat CubeSat aboard the OA-8 ISS resupply mission. Since the deployment of CHEFSat in December 2017 this ground architecture has supported all satellite operations without the need of traditional ground equipment. The CHEFSat mission required multiple downlink bitrates (50-400 kbps) as well as the option for forward error correction. This paper will go over the design and test processes used to go from concept to operations using GNU Radio. The merits and risks of using GNU Radio will be discussed as well.
