Session
Poster Session 2
Abstract
The recent demonstration of the Globalstar network for robust satellite links (Anywhere & Anytime with 24/7 global coverage) permits new ways for improving mission success, improving failure analysis, and accurately tracking orbital debris of inactive satellites 1,2. To date, the Globalstar link has a 100% success rate in orbit with 14 of 14 orbital flights since 2014 verified. The proposed “Black Box” solution for satellites allows for a small and autonomous low-data rate link with key diagnostic information. Even if the subject satellite is partially or completely dead with the small Black Box the attitude, voltages, currents, GPS, temperatures, and camera data can be downloaded in near real time for critical corrective action and for understanding a failure path. The proposed Back Box comes in three sizes with respective capabilities and options: A miniature “Patch” for side wall mounting (10 x 8.5 X 1.5 cm), a PC104 board for internal “Stack” mount, and a larger “Barnacle” Box for larger satellites. The Black Box can be qualified for short, medium and long lifetimes. Most of the Black Box subsystems are at TRL=9 with orbit performance.
"Black Box" Beacon for Mission Success, Insurance, and Debris Mitigation
The recent demonstration of the Globalstar network for robust satellite links (Anywhere & Anytime with 24/7 global coverage) permits new ways for improving mission success, improving failure analysis, and accurately tracking orbital debris of inactive satellites 1,2. To date, the Globalstar link has a 100% success rate in orbit with 14 of 14 orbital flights since 2014 verified. The proposed “Black Box” solution for satellites allows for a small and autonomous low-data rate link with key diagnostic information. Even if the subject satellite is partially or completely dead with the small Black Box the attitude, voltages, currents, GPS, temperatures, and camera data can be downloaded in near real time for critical corrective action and for understanding a failure path. The proposed Back Box comes in three sizes with respective capabilities and options: A miniature “Patch” for side wall mounting (10 x 8.5 X 1.5 cm), a PC104 board for internal “Stack” mount, and a larger “Barnacle” Box for larger satellites. The Black Box can be qualified for short, medium and long lifetimes. Most of the Black Box subsystems are at TRL=9 with orbit performance.
