FPGA-based operational concept and payload data processing for the Flying Laptop satellite

Flying Laptop is the first small satellite developed by the Institute of Space Systems at the Universität Stuttgart. It is a test bed for an on-board computer with a reconfigurable, redundant and self-controlling high computational ability based on the field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs). This Technical Note presents the operational concept and the on-board payload data processing of the satellite. The designed operational concept of Flying Laptop enables the achievement of mission goals such as technical demonstration, scientific Earth observation, and the payload data processing methods. All these capabilities expand its scientific usage and enable new possibilities for real-time applications. Its hierarchical architecture of the operational modes of subsystems and modules are developed in a state-machine diagram and tested by means of MathWorks Simulink-/Stateflow Toolbox. Furthermore, the concept of the on-board payload data processing and its implementation and possible applications are described.     

基于反熔丝型FPGA的有效载荷可重构技术

针对在轨卫星功能维护、扩展和更新的需求，设计一种星载FPGA可重构方法。通过硬件三模冗余、软件三模比对，提高星载信号处理FPGA配置的可靠性；通过地面向卫星配置FPGA发送擦除、写、读指令，实现星载配置数据存储FLASH芯片的擦除、写、读操作，从而实现星载信号处理FPGA的重构，进而可以实现有效载荷功能的在轨更新或升级，减少硬件重复开发，降低成本。     

Mature systems for small satellite missions

Over the past several years Satellites International has developed an integrated suite of satellite sub-systems and small satellite buses. The sub-systems include S-band communications, attitude sensing and control, power conversion and distribution, and on-board data handling. They are inherently modular and readily adaptable to different satellite configurations, a concept known as semi-standardisation. This concept has been adopted by two generic low-cost buses: MicroSIL for satellites in the mass range 40–80kg; and MiniSIL for satellites in the range 100–500kg. Their architecture is based on the semi-standard sub-systems, but easily modified to utilise sub-systems from other manufacturers. They can support all stabilisation methods including spinning, 3-axis control and gravity gradient and are adaptable to a wide variety of missions including Earth resources, scientific, communications and technology demonstration. The Company also manufactures a range of low cost ground support equipment and complete ground stations to complement the space-borne systems.     

Micro- and mini-satellites of ISRO—technology and applications

With rich experience of the successful Indian remote sensing satellite series, Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has started theme-based satellites like Resourcesat and Oceansat. Further taking the advantage of the improved technologies in areas of miniaturization, the micro- and mini-satellite series have been started, which will provide opportunity for the payloads of stand-alone missions, for applications, study or research. These include payloads for Earth imaging, atmospheric monitoring, ocean monitoring, scientific applications, and stellar observation. The micro-satellites are of 100 kg class, planned with a payload of about 30 kg and 20 W power and mini-satellites of 450 kg class for payloads of 200 kg and power of 200 W. The first satellite in the micro-satellite series is an Earth imaging payload followed by the second satellite with scientific payloads with the participation of students. Further the scientific proposals for micro-satellites are under evaluation. Similarly the first two missions of mini-satellites are defined with first one carrying ocean and environment monitoring payloads followed by the Earth imaging satellite with multi-spectral camera with 700 km swath. The current paper touches upon the technology involved in realization of the micro- and mini-satellites and the scope of applications of the series.     

Future earth observation missions for oceanographic applications: Indian perspectives

Significant progress has been achieved in India in demonstrating the utility of remote sensing data for various oceanographic applications during the last one decade. Among these, techniques have been developed for retrieval of ocean surface waves, winds, wave forecast model, internal waves, sea surface temperature and chlorophyll pigments. Encouraged from these results as well as for meeting the specific and increasing data requirements on an assured basis by oceanographers, India is making concerted efforts for developing and launching state-of-the-art indigenous satellites for ocean applications in the coming years.

The first in the series of ocean satellites planned for launch is Oceansat-1 (IRS-P4) by early 1999. Oceansat-1 carries on-board an Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) and a Multi-frequency Scanning Microwave Radiometer (MSMR). OCM will have 8 narrow spectral bands operating in visible and near- infrared bands (402–885 nm) with a spatial resolution of 360 m and swath of 1420 km. The MSMR with its all weather capability is configured to have measurements at 4 frequencies viz., 6.6, 10.65, 18 & 21 GHz in dual polarisation mode with a spatial resolution of 120, 80, 40 & 40 km, respectively with an overall swath of 1360 km. The Oceansat-1 with repetitivity of once in two days will provide global data for retrieval of various oceanographic and meteorological parameters such as chlorophyll (primary productivity), sea surface temperature and wind speed, besides a host of other parameters of relevance to meteorology.

A full fledged satellite for ocean applications known as Oceansat-2 (IRS-P7) is also planned for launch during 2002. This satellite with payload mix of microwave (Scatterometer, Altimeter & Passive Microwave Radiometer), Thermal (TIR) and Optical (OCM) sensors, will provide greater in-sight into the global understanding of ocean dynamics/resources. This mission is expected to provide a complete set of oceanographic measurements, which are useful for providing operational oceanographic services.

Efforts are also on towards development of missions having multi-frequency, multipolarisation and multi-look angle microwave payloads including Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) and advanced millimeter wave sounders, besides development of imaging spectrometers by 2005.

A well-knit plan has been initiated in India for utilisation of planned Oceansat data. Important efforts initiated in this direction include SATellite Coastal and Oceanographic Research and Ocean Information Services, which are being carried out on an integrated basis aiming at providing services to the down stream users. The paper highlights these efforts in India towards providing an operational ocean information services in the coming years.     

Microscope in orbit calibration procedure for a test of the equivalence principle at 10(-15)

The scientific objectives of the MICROSCOPE space mission impose a very fine calibration of the on-board accelerometers. However the required performance cannot be achieved on ground because of the presence of high disturbing sources. On-board the CHAMP satellite, accelerometers similar in the concept to the MICROSCOPE instrument, have already flown and analysis of the provided data then allowed to characterise the vibration environment at low altitude as well as the fluctuation of the drag. The requirements of the in-orbit calibration procedure for the MICROSCOPE instrument are demonstrated by modelling the expected applied acceleration signals with the developed analytic model of the mission. The proposed approach exploits the drag-free system of the satellite and the sensitivity of the accelerometers. A specific simulator of the attitude control system of the satellite has been developed and tests of the proposed solution are performed using nominal conditions or disturbing conditions as observed during the CHAMP mission.     

高速率遥感卫星接收与处理系统的设计与实现

为成功接收搭载分米级分辨率的SAR（Synthetic Aperture Radar,合成孔径雷达）载荷低轨遥感卫星数据,验证卫星载荷工作状态和性能,本项目研发一套Ka/S双频段遥感卫星接收与处理机动站。针对窄波束高动态卫星跟踪、多通道高速率遥感数据星地传输的重难点,本文着重从窄波束高动态目标卫星跟踪、超高速高性能全数字解调以及高精度双模式自适应盲均衡等关键技术进行研究。通过试验验证技术路径正确、措施有效,可为后续相关系统研制提供技术参考。     

The IRS-P3 remote sensing mission

ISRO has developed the PSLV rocket (Polar Spacecraft Launch Vehicle) for polar orbiting satellites up to 1000 kg and is conducting a series of test missions. One of this is the IRS-P3, an remote sensing satellite with German participation. The payload consists of 3 scientific instruments: The wide field sensor WiFS for vegetation monitoring (ISRO), the imaging spectrometer MOS (DLR/Germany) for coastal zone and ocean studies an the X-ray astronomy payload (ISRO). The paper gives technical details and parameters on the launch vehicle, the satellite, the instruments and scientific goals and data utilization.     

多格式载荷数据处理与管理平台的设计和实现

为了解决现有航天器载荷数据处理软件灵活度差、处理效率低的问题,设计了一种基于多级解包预处理策略以及并行处理调度算法的多格式载荷数据处理与管理平台。通过在某卫星的载荷试验数据处理与存储管理任务中的应用,验证了该平台设计的可行性和有效性。研究结果可为航天器多种格式的载荷数据并行处理与统一管理提供参考。     

ERDSAT,a satellite concept for Earth observations with combined optical and microwave payload

The concept of a European remote sensing satellite (ERDSAT) launched by ARIANE is characterized by a model payload, consisting of a synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and an optical multispectral scanner with 9 channels, for land applications or coastal zone missions. The mission goal of ERDSAT is based on European user requrements where a strong need for optical and microwave sensor operation on board the same satellite in a simultaneous or sequential mode is expressed. A data collection system is included. The proposed spacecraft is three-axes-stabilized and has a Sun-synchronous, near polar circular orbit with 750 km altitude. The selected configuration separates payload module and bus module. A thermostable carbon fibre grating structure is the central framework of the satellite. Each major subsystem is housed in a separate compartment and can be integrated and tested individually. First mass estimates resulted in 450 kg for the payload and 880 kg for the bus. The maximum power needed is 1750 W (for 6 min three times a day), which will be provided by a 1330 W solar array and two batteries. A “low cost” model philosophy is defined; the time schedule envisages a program start in late 1980 and a launch possibility end of 1985.     

Synthesis of flight results of the Cactus accelerometer for accelerations below 10−9g

The Cactus accelerometer, developed at ONERA and making up the payload of the Castor satellite, has been operating continuously and normally for 40 months. Thanks to the great quantity of data acquired and to a well adapted processing technique, acceleration measurements were in fact obtained with a better sensitivity than that expected before launch.This paper presents a synthesis of the work carried out in the past year and concerning the measurement of very low accelerations. These are due, for the most part, to the Earth IR radiation pressure when the satellite is in the Earth's shadow, and to the thrust it is subjected to under the influence of the anisotropy of its own radiation.     

星载高速SerDes电路的设计与实现

针对目前我国空间探测任务中海量数据传输的迫切需求,提出了一种星载高速数据传输技术的解决方案。论述了方案的总体设计结构和关键模块的实现,制定了一种可靠易实现的链路传输协议,并给出了收发方向上的后仿真波形。系统联试验证了4通道点对点之间的SerDes接口数据传输速率达到了2.4Gbps,并且具有很好的带宽扩展和抗干扰性能。在星上有效载荷数据传输系统中具有广阔的应用前景。     

Integrated RF-optical TT&C for interplanetary telecomms

Science return and high bandwidth communications are one of the key issues to support the foreseen endeavours on next generation missions [J.L. Gerner, Telemetry, tracking and command of satellites—a perspective, TT&C 2004 Workshop, 7–9 September 2004]. Interplanetary telecommunication systems are required that support the foreseen endeavours. Given the same constraints in terms of mass, power and volume a laser communications terminal can offer an increase in telemetry bandwidth over classical RF technology allowing for a variety of new options, specifically to missions that require large distances, such as to the Moon, to liberation points L1 and L2, ultimately aiming at deep space missions. An increase in telemetry data rate allows the mission to consider the processing of raw scientific data to take place on ground, making use of latest technology further developed during the cruise phase of the probe, rather than applying data pre-processing on-board the satellite. Enhanced sensing techniques that generate more science data return could be used and access to data during flight could be faster. Results of on-going activities will be presented, comprising PPM laser communications and advanced tracking concepts. An overview will be given of the system concept for an integrated RF-optical TT&C transponder. Results will be shown from hardware tests on communications performance in inter-island test campaigns.     

A packetised remote visual access data system for space station interactive payload operations.

Potential users of the pressurised Columbus elements, (the Attached Pressurised Module and the Man-Tended Free Flyer), were consulted in order to establish the requirements necessary to achieve effective and efficient remote interactive payload operations. These are briefly described and clearly indicate that the key to such operations is a versatile remote visual access (video) system which is well-tuned to the requirements of the users in both the on-board and ground segments. A packetised remote visual access data system is proposed which accommodates these requirements and offers a very flexible operational environment. It incorporates a scheme for optimising users' remote visual access to their experiments. Methods of implementing the necessary multiplexing and compression aspects of the system are discussed. A scheme for centralized on-board monitoring, which is complicated by the wide range of video sources required by the users, is outlined and aspects of the ground segment, in particular the problem is link delays, are considered.     

Integrated RF-optical TT&C for interplanetary telecomms

Science return and high bandwidth communications are one of the key issues to support the foreseen endeavours on next generation missions [J.L. Gerner, Telemetry, tracking and command of satellites—a perspective, TT&C 2004 Workshop, 7–9 September 2004]. Interplanetary telecommunication systems are required that support the foreseen endeavours. Given the same constraints in terms of mass, power and volume a laser communications terminal can offer an increase in telemetry bandwidth over classical RF technology allowing for a variety of new options, specifically to missions that require large distances, such as to the Moon, to liberation points L1 and L2, ultimately aiming at deep space missions. An increase in telemetry data rate allows the mission to consider the processing of raw scientific data to take place on ground, making use of latest technology further developed during the cruise phase of the probe, rather than applying data pre-processing on-board the satellite. Enhanced sensing techniques that generate more science data return could be used and access to data during flight could be faster. Results of on-going activities will be presented, comprising PPM laser communications and advanced tracking concepts. An overview will be given of the system concept for an integrated RF-optical TT&C transponder. Results will be shown from hardware tests on communications performance in inter-island test campaigns.     

Emergency end of life operations for CNES remote sensing satellites—Management and operational process

The French Space Agency (CNES) is currently operating thirteen satellites among which five remote sensing satellites. This fleet is composed of two civilian (SPOT) and three military (HELIOS) satellites and it has been recently completed by the first PLEIADES satellite which is devoted to both civil and military purposes. The CNES operation board decided to appoint a Working Group (WG) in order to anticipate and tackle issues related to the emergency End Of Life (EOL) operations due to unexpected on-board events affecting the satellite. This is of particular interest in the context of the French Law on Space Operations (LSO), entered in force on Dec. 2010, which states that any satellite operator must demonstrate its capability to control the space vehicle whatever the mission phase from the launch up to the EOL. Indeed, after several years in orbit the satellites may be affected by on-board anomalies which could damage the implementation of EOL operations, i.e. orbital manoeuvres or platform disposal. Even if automatic recovery actions ensure autonomous reconfigurations on redundant equipment, i.e. setting for instance the satellite into a safe mode, it is crucial to anticipate the consequences of failures of every equipment and functions necessary for the EOL operations. For this purpose, the WG has focused on each potential anomaly by analysing: its emergency level, as well as the EOL operations potentially inhibited by the failure and the needs of on-board software workarounds… The main contribution of the WG consisted in identifying a particular satellite configuration called “minimal Withdrawal From Service (WFS) configuration”. This configuration corresponds to an operational status which involves a redundancy necessary for the EOL operations. Therefore as soon as a satellite reaches this state, a dedicated steering committee is activated and decides of the future of the satellite with respect to three options: a/. the satellite is considered safe and can continue its mission using the redundancy, b/. the EOL operations must be planned within a mid-term period, or c/. the EOL operations must be implemented as soon as possible by the operational teams. The paper describes this management and operational process illustrated with study cases of failures on SPOT and PLEIADES satellites corresponding to various emergency situations.     

A global geographical survey of received signal strength in the VHF band

Sumbandila (SO-67) is an 81 kg LEO satellite launched on 17 September 2009. Its primary payload is a multi-spectral imager with a ground sampling distance of 6.25 m at an orbit altitude of 500 km. Its two command transceivers operate in the commercial and amateur radio VHF and UHF bands and one of them provides a VHF to UHF repeater service to radio amateurs. This paper presents initial results of a global three week monitoring period of two VHF frequency ranges. The data is obtained by executing on-board flight control procedures to select the frequencies to measure. The existing on-board telemetry gathering system is employed to record the data, most notably the received signal strength for the selected frequency. The data is downloaded using an adaptation of the imagery data download path. We determine regions of high signal levels by distributing individual measurements over cells in the satellite footprint before averaging over the cells. The data is then plotted on a geographical signal strength heatmap. We compare our results with that of a similar study of the late 1990s and point out changes since then. The data provides useful information for selecting future ground station locations for minimum interference. It further gives an indication of frequencies to use for command and telemetry communication at existing ground stations. We propose that including a receiver capable of measuring frequency interference across a desired frequency range is very useful to future missions for selecting communication frequencies from this range for ground station locations.     

全数字化星载信号处理载荷架构设计

面对商业航天新业态的迅猛发展,围绕高可靠、高效率、高效益的航天发展目标,针对卫星有效载荷的载荷核心——星载信号处理载荷部分,参考美国国家航空航天局的空间无线电通信体制设计思路,以硬件平台化、功能软件化、软件构件化为特征基础,通过对软硬件体系、载荷时频、重构方式、资源共享等多元化的设计,构建了一种灵活、通用、易扩展、需求适应强的全数字化星载信号处理载荷架构。相比于传统星载信号处理载荷,采用该架构设计的星载信号处理载荷可以广泛适应各类星载信号处理的需求,极大地提升有效载荷的信号处理能力及可靠性,降低载荷的研制周期与成本,为未来卫星有效载荷的软件化、网络化、智能化发展提供技术支撑。     

中国无地面控制点摄影测量卫星追述（二）--1∶1万传输型摄影测量卫星技术思考

以1∶1万传输型摄影测量卫星工程有效载荷配置为基础,分析了传输型测绘卫星中影响定位精度的误差源,提出了激光测距数据辅助两线阵卫星影像处理的若干思路,并进行了模拟仿真试验。试验结果表明：利用激光测距数据参与两线阵影像光束法平差,能有效改善航线模型系统变形,并保持较小的上下视差,可满足卫星影像无地面控制点条件下1∶1万高精度定位要求。