Session
Poster Session 1
Abstract
MarconISSta is a spectrum analyzer installed on the International Space Station to analyze frequency use in various frequency bands from VHF to S band. This data will provide vital information for the frequency coordination of future missions and might prevent harmful interference by providing up-to-date information throughout the operational period of the payload. To minimize cost and time the project uses a NewSpace and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) approach. This project was developed by scientific staff and students of Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin). The MarconISSta payload utilizes a software defined radio (SDR) named LimeSDR as the spectrum analyzer. It is connected to the “Amateur Radio on the ISS” (ARISS) antennas while allowing for simultaneous operation of normal ARISS equipment and MarconISSta without interference. The data collected over the mission duration is downloaded in chunks and later analyzed on ground to investigate current use of the frequency bands and potentially aid in frequency coordination. The SDR based technology is first tested aboard the ISS and will later be used in a small satellite mission planned for 2020. This paper will present the design steps, assembly, integration and verification. Further, it highlights challenges and lessons learned during the student project.
Design and AIV of Ongoing ISS Based Student Project for Analysis of RF Spectrum Utilization
MarconISSta is a spectrum analyzer installed on the International Space Station to analyze frequency use in various frequency bands from VHF to S band. This data will provide vital information for the frequency coordination of future missions and might prevent harmful interference by providing up-to-date information throughout the operational period of the payload. To minimize cost and time the project uses a NewSpace and commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) approach. This project was developed by scientific staff and students of Technische Universität Berlin (TU Berlin). The MarconISSta payload utilizes a software defined radio (SDR) named LimeSDR as the spectrum analyzer. It is connected to the “Amateur Radio on the ISS” (ARISS) antennas while allowing for simultaneous operation of normal ARISS equipment and MarconISSta without interference. The data collected over the mission duration is downloaded in chunks and later analyzed on ground to investigate current use of the frequency bands and potentially aid in frequency coordination. The SDR based technology is first tested aboard the ISS and will later be used in a small satellite mission planned for 2020. This paper will present the design steps, assembly, integration and verification. Further, it highlights challenges and lessons learned during the student project.
