학술논문
Architecture and CONOPS of Next-Generation Ground Network for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary SmallSats
Document Type
Report
Author
Cheung, Kar-ming; Abraham, Douglas; Arroyo, Belinda; Basilio, Eleanor; Babuscia, Alessandra; Duncan, Courtney; Lee, Charles; Lee, Dennis; Oudrhiri, Kamal; Pham, Timothy; Staehle, Robert; Waldherr, Stefan; Welz, Gregory; Wyatt, Jay; Lanucara, Marco; Malphrus, Benjamin; Bellardo, John; Puig-Suari, Jordi; Corpino, Sabrina
Source
Subject
Language
English
Abstract
As small spacecraft venture out of Earth orbit, they will encounter challenges not experienced or addressed by the numerous low Earth orbit (LEO) CubeSat and Smallsat missions staged to date. The LEO CubeSats typically use low-cost, proven CubeSat radios, antennas, and university ground stations with small apertures. As more ambitious yet cost-constrained space mission concepts to the Moon and beyond are being developed, CubeSats and smallsats have the potential to provide a more affordable platform for exploring deep space and performing the associated science. Some of the challenges that have, so far, slowed the proliferation of small interplanetary spacecraft are those of communications and navigation.