Browse Topic: Satellite communications

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Automatic Detection of Dead-End Roads in High-Resolution Satellite Image2025-01-716502/21/2025
There are dead-end roads in the road network, and many of them have the function of indicating specific target clues, which is of great significance in the fields of military, urban construction, and disaster relief and rescue. However, many of the important cut-offs are in mountainous or wilderness areas, and surveying them is difficult and costly. The research objective of this project is to extract the breakpoints in the road network using high-resolution Google satellite imagery, so as to provide clues and indications for the subsequent relevant work. Firstly, the image is corrected and pre-processed to highlight road edge information.Then the phase grouping method is improved by setting a double-angle threshold, filtering the edge operator to reduce the calculation error of the gradient angle, and the road network is extracted by the improved phase grouping method. And finally screens out the dead-end road points with the eight-neighbourhood method, and marks them on the
Liu, Ruohan, Haoping, Qi, Jingjie, Kang, Yanyan, Wu, Feifei, Li
Army Completes Satellite as a Managed Service Research ProjectTBMG-5213312/01/2024
Intelsat McLean, VA melissa.longo@intelsat.com
SAE TOMORROW TODAY: Michigan: The New Epicenter of Aerospace1338002/09/2023
As the birthplace of the automotive industry and the home of several aviation firsts, Michigan offers unique advantages to the rapidly expanding space economy. To make the most of this opportunity, the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association (MAMA) has convened three public-private partnerships: the Michigan Launch Initiative, Space-Enabled Communications for Advanced Mobility, and the Mid-America Hypersonic Suborbital Test Range. These programs provide a collaborative platform for public-private partners to support satellite launch capabilities, test commercial and national security applications, and expand 5G connectivity, among other opportunities. We sat down with Gavin P. Brown, Executive Director, MAMA, to discuss these exciting initiatives and learn how the organization is positioning Michigan as a leader in all phases of aerospace manufacturing -- from tool and die all the way through final assembly --by leaning on the state's rich automotive and aviation history.
Hineman, Marcie
Ku/Ka Band Satellite (KSAT) SubcommitteeWC-0061909/23/2022
The AEEC KSAT Subcommittee develops Standards that define Ku-band and Ka-band satellite communication (satcom) systems that meet operators’ highperformance requirements. The equipment specified are typically used to provide passenger data, video, and voice communication services.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
NASA Goddard Space Communications Workshop PreviewTBMG-4641108/18/2022
Since the first satellite launched over six decades ago, spacecraft have relied on radio waves to communicate with Earth. But radio has its limitations. With more and more satellites now in space and entry of commercial players as well as the growing demand for space services, the field of space communications is primed for disruption.
Design for Internet of Things in Aerospace2022-26-125205/26/2022
Internet of Things (IoT) is being adopted in aerospace industry, be it a ground based or airborne systems, the scope of IoT is enormous and advantages are limitless, which are not limited to reduced weight, reduced power consumption and reduced operational cost and time. Some of the use cases are to have an IoT based edge computing nodes (ECN) to transfer digitized data from sensors to the centralized computing system and RFID based baggage and cargo tracking system. This paper focuses on critical design requirements for IoT devices in aircraft, opportunity to harvest energy for the IoT devises from Aircraft thermal dissipation and vibration, cybersecurity threats and encryption solutions, power optimization for extended battery life in the devices, existing technology advancements and DO guidance to deploy IoT solutions in aerospace. This synopsis contains the introduction to the below topics, the final paper will have the details, example design and analysis results. Power
Muthulingam, Venkatesan
Communicating Via Long-Distance LasersTBMG-3986009/01/2021
Visible light has been used to communicate for centuries. Lanterns on ships and Morse code flashes allowed information to be conveyed at a distance. But now there’s a better way to use light to communicate over even further distances and with far more accuracy: lasers.
Innovative IoT Sensor Applications Pave the Way to the FutureTBMG-3924406/01/2021
If you tell people that exterminators use temperature sensors to eliminate bedbugs, it prompts questions, and people want to know more. You can get the same reaction when you mention that landfill, entomology labs, and banana-ripening managers use sensor data to automate and optimize their operations.
Four RF Technology Trends You Need to Know for Satellite Communication Device Design20AERP10_0510/01/2020
Over the past four decades, the sheer amount and complexity of information transmitted through satellite communication (satcom) has substantially increased. At the same time, more mission-critical applications - such as aeronautical, maritime, and military navigation - have become increasingly reliant on these communications. As a result, the RF circuit building blocks that make up satcom technology have been through many changes to accommodate the latest advancements in the industry including miniaturization, increased reliability, and the ability to rapidly transmit even more complex data. This article examines four RF technology trends today that are helping satcom design engineers meet the data demands of their military and aerospace clients while also making RF components that are lighter by size, weight, and power and more cost-effective to produce (SWaP-C).
Four RF Technology Trends You Need to Know for Satellite Communication Device DesignTBMG-3788610/01/2020
Over the past four decades, the sheer amount and complexity of information transmitted through satellite communication (satcom) has substantially increased. At the same time, more mission-critical applications — such as aeronautical, maritime, and military navigation — have become increasingly reliant on these communications. As a result, the RF circuit building blocks that make up satcom technology have been through many changes to accommodate the latest advancements in the industry including miniaturization, increased reliability, and the ability to rapidly transmit even more complex data.
MEDIA INDEPENDENT SECURE OFFBOARD NETWORKARINC848 (Current)06/19/2020
ARINC Specification 848 is a functional standard based on a protocol specification profile for a secured network interface. The purpose is to define a common method of initiating a mutually authenticated tunnel between an aircraft service and its Enterprise service. ARINC Specification 848 defines a standard implementation for securing the communications between an onboard Local Area Network (LAN) and an Enterprise LAN on the ground. Various aircraft network architectures and various air to ground communication channels (aka media) are accommodated in this document. For example, L-band Satellite Communication (Satcom), Ku/Ka-band Satcom, Gatelink Cellular, and Gatelink are considered.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Effect of Space Weather on Autonomous Vehicle Navigation2020-01-014004/14/2020
Autonomous vehicle systems integrate multiple information systems. Navigation is reliant on Global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) such as the global positioning systems (GPS) which are supported by a satellite network. However, satellites and radio signals are subject to interference from sunspots. Sunspots happen on regular cycles at varying strengths but their occurrence can’t be exactly predicted. The likelihood of a severe solar event is roughly twelve percent per decade; consequently, solar events are likely to impair navigation. Results will show the probability of each event and its impact on autonomous vehicle navigation. In the worst case scenario, satellites could even be permanently damaged by severe sunspots. As autonomous vehicles become a more significant portion of the economy, it is necessary that they have resilience to operate in extreme conditions. Alternative navigation procedures are proposed to enhance the resiliency of autonomous vehicles. Artificial
Hoback, Alan
Analysis of Dashcam Video for Determination of Vehicle Speed2020-01-087704/14/2020
Using dashcam video footage to extract reliable vehicle speed data can be challenging when the only available image stream comes from a camera whose optical parameters are unknown. One means of overcoming such difficulties uses visible landmarks and features within the video frame whose dimensions can be independently measured. While good results have been obtained by others using a Total Station or LiDAR to physically measure locations for such purposes, this approach could prove difficult if a site of interest is inaccessible (e.g. on a busy highway that cannot be shut down) or if relevent features of the target location have changed (e.g. due to construction or even restriping of lanes lines). As an alternative to direct scene measurement, it is proposed that measurement of features visible in overhead satellite images be used to dimension relevant features visible in the video. In this work, videos from individual dashcams and phone-based cameras were used to calculate average
Leifer, Jack, Marquez, Alvaro
A Visible and Infrared Fusion Based Visual Odometry for Autonomous Vehicles2020-01-009904/14/2020
An accurate and timely positioning of the vehicle is required at all times for autonomous driving. The global navigation satellite system (GNSS), even when integrated with costly inertial measurement units (IMUs), would often fail to provide high-accuracy positioning due to GNSS-challenged environments such as urban canyons. As a result, visual odometry is proposed as an effective complimentary approach. Although it’s widely recognized that visual odometry should be developed based on both visible and infrared images to address issues such as frequent changes in ambient lightening conditions, the mechanism of visible-infrared fusion is often poorly designed. This study proposes a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN) based model comprises a generator, which aims to produce a fused image combining infrared intensities and visible gradients, and a discriminator whose target is to force the fused image to retain as many details that exist mostly in visible images as possible. Based on the
Zhou, Yunfei, Yin, Zhishuai
Battle Tank Protection Systems Outfit Four Brigades of Army TanksTBMG-3660804/01/2020
RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. Haifa, Israel +972 73 335 4444
Using Sound and Light for Ultrafast Data TransferTBMG-3640104/01/2020
Researchers have developed a method to control terahertz quantum cascade lasers, which could lead to the transmission of data at the rate of 100 gigabits per second. That ultrafast data transfer would be about 1,000 times quicker than a fast Ethernet operating at 100 megabits a second.
High Altitude Platform System Airship for Telecommunication and Border Monitoring Design and Physical Model2020-01-004403/10/2020
This paper presents an accurate analysis of an innovative high altitude platform with an unconventional ellipsoidal shape during the most critical operation. The airship is designed accordingly to the specifications, which have been analyzed in terms of the required CONOPS (Concepts of Operations) which are associated with the proposed High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite (HAPS) technology and special operations and to analyze the operational scenarios. An innovative cruiser feeder system is defined and studied. The CONOPS includes communications relays, support of intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition monitor “mobile targets”, and reconnaissance, including long-range ISTAR missions performed by the feeder, combining satellite vision and HAPS vision for a forest fire, disasters, naval accidents, maritime and ground borders. The paper realizes a multidisciplinary analysis that allows creating the design of the HAPS, referring to both cruiser and feeder in different operative
Trancossi, Michele
A New Network Design for the “Internet from Space”TBMG-3606602/01/2020
Satellites do not yet play a major role in the world’s Internet infrastructure; however, this may soon change. Within the next decade, a new generation of satellites could lay the foundations for an “Internet from space,” according to Ankit Singla, a professor at ETH Zurich’s Network Design & Architecture Lab. His team is investigating how to improve the performance of large-scale computer networks including the Internet.
Atoms Can Receive Common Communications SignalsTBMG-3598602/01/2020
A new type of sensor was developed that uses atoms to receive commonly used communications signals. Cesium atoms were used to receive digital bits (1s and 0s) in the most common communications format used in cellphones, Wi-Fi, and satellite TV. In this format, called phase shifting or phase modulation, radio signals or other electromagnetic waves are shifted relative to one another over time. The information (or data) is encoded in this modulation. The method works across a wide range of frequencies.
A New Network Design for the “Internet from Space”20AERP02_0602/01/2020
Satellites do not yet play a major role in the world's Internet infrastructure; however, this may soon change. Within the next decade, a new generation of satellites could lay the foundations for an “Internet from space,” according to Ankit Singla, a professor at ETH Zurich's Network Design & Architecture Lab. His team is investigating how to improve the performance of large-scale computer networks including the Internet. Exploiting advances in cost-cutting technologies in the space sector, the new satellite systems would use thousands of satellites instead of the tens of satellites used in past systems. These satellites could then be linked to each other via laser light to form a network. The coverage provided by these satellites would reach remote regions that currently have no or very limited access to the Internet, since they are not connected or are only poorly connected to the intercontinental fiber optic cables that power today's Internet.
SECOND GENERATION AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS, AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION PROVISIONSARINC761-6 (Current)12/23/2019
This ARINC Standard defines the installation characteristics of second generation L-band satellite communication systems. It provides the traditional form, fit, function, and interfaces for the installation of satcom equipment for use in all types of aircraft. Description of avionics equipment (e.g., Satellite Data Unit (SDU), Antennas, etc.) are included. Supplement 6 adds references to new Diplexer/Low Noise Amplifiers (DLNAs) defined in Supplement 8 to ARINC Characteristic 781: Mark 3 Aviation Satellite Communication Systems. The five new DLNAs are intended to protect Inmarsat Classic Aero and SwiftBroadband (SBB) satcom equipment from ground-based cellular sources, such as cellular Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATCt). The DLNAs are categorized by desired features and service (e.g., new DLNA versus drop-in replacement, LTE and/or ATCt protection, Classic Aero and/or SBB service).
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS PART 1 AIRCRAFT INSTALLATION PROVISIONSARINC741P1-15 (Current)12/23/2019
This ARINC Standard defines the installation characteristics of first generation L-band satellite communication systems. It provides the traditional form, fit, function, and interfaces for the installation of satcom equipment for use in all types of aircraft. Description of avionics equipment (e.g., Satellite Data Unit (SDU), Antennas, etc.) are included. Supplement 15 adds references to new Diplexer/Low Noise Amplifiers (DLNAs) defined in Supplement 8 to ARINC Characteristic 781: Mark 3 Aviation Satellite Communication Systems. The five new DLNAs are intended to protect Inmarsat Classic Aero and SwiftBroadband (SBB) satcom equipment from ground-based cellular sources, such as cellular Long Term Evolution (LTE) and Ancillary Terrestrial Component (ATCt). The DLNAs are categorized by desired features and service (e.g., new DLNA versus drop-in replacement, LTE and/or ATCt protection, Classic Aero and/or SBB service).
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
COMMUNICATIONS MANAGEMENT UNIT (CMU) MARK 2ARINC758-4 (Current)11/26/2019
This ARINC Standard specifies the ARINC 758 Mark 2 Communications Management Unit (CMU) as an on-board message router capable of managing various datalink networks and services available to the aircraft. Supplement 4 adds Ethernet interfaces, per ARINC Specification 664 Part 2. This will allow the CMU to communicate with IP based radio transceivers (e.g., L-Band Satellite Communication Systems (Inmarsat SwiftBroadband (SBB) and Iridium Certus), ACARS over IP, AeroMACS, etc.).
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
MARK I AVIATION KU-BAND AND KA-BAND SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM PART 1 PHYSICAL INSTALLATION AND AIRCRAFT INTERFACESARINC791P1-3 (Current)09/19/2019
This standard sets forth the desired characteristics of Aviation Ku-band Satellite Communication (Satcom) and Ka-band Satcom Systems intended for installation in all types of commercial air transport aircraft. The intent of this characteristic is to provide guidance on the interfaces, form, fit, and function of the systems. This document also describes the desired operational capability of the equipment needed to provide a broadband transport link that can be used for data, video, and voice communications typically used for passenger communications and/or entertainment. The systems described in this characteristic are not qualified, at this writing, for aviation safety functions.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Collins Aerospace provides avionics for C-130H modernization programSAE-MA-0000209/03/2019
The Lockheed C-130H Hercules fleet operated by the Air National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve is getting new Collins Aerospace Systems avionics that will help extend the life of the legacy aircraft by 20 years.
Kucinski, William
NASA Eyes GPS at the Moon for Artemis MissionsTBMG-3511109/01/2019
The Global Positioning System (GPS), a satellite-based navigation system used by an estimated four billion people worldwide to figure out where they are on Earth at any moment, could be used to pilot in and around lunar orbit during future Artemis missions to the Moon.
Tactical Communications SystemTBMG-3487308/01/2019
Spectra Group Tysons, VA 202-818-8429
A New Approach to Satellite CommunicationsTBMG-3412704/01/2019
In the Heinrich Hertz satellite mission, which will be launched in 2020, the DLR Space Administration (German Aerospace Center) plans to develop and operate a German communications satellite. The chief objective of the mission is the scientific validation and testing of payload technologies in space.
The Teletenna — a Hybrid Telescope Antenna SystemTBMG-3417804/01/2019
Innovators at NASA’s Glenn Research Center have developed a hybrid telescope antenna system — Teletenna — to deliver high-data-rate communication over great distances. Teletenna has the potential to benefit deep space missions and communications on Earth. By combining two very different communications systems — optics and radio frequency (RF) — Teletenna capitalizes on the benefits of each system while overcoming conflicting engineering requirements.
Aerospace & Defense Technology: April 201919AERP0404/01/2019
An Integrated Framework for Complex Radar System Design Thermoplastic Composites to Play Enhanced Role in Next-Generation Aerospace Applications Using Ruggedized Test Equipment to Solve Jet Engine Problems How FMC Developments Support Legacy and Next-Gen Data Needs XPONENTIAL 2019 - An AUVSI Experience Understanding the 'Black Art' of RF and Microwave Switching A New Approach to Satellite Communications Modular Biosensor Patch Identifying new biomarkers to help monitor cognition and stress in the human body could enhance human performance. Characterization of Bore Temperatures and Stresses in Small Caliber Gun Barrels Data gathered from physical testing will be compared to analytical methods used to assess barrel wall temperature profiles and barrel wall stress and strain. Simulation of Active Imaging Systems Better data could lead to systems that improve tactical target acquisition, particularly under adverse environmental conditions. Deep Installation Method for Three-Component
Text Tech: Navy Vessels Use Shipboard Signal Lamps for Text MessagingTBMG-3389303/01/2019
Sponsored by the Office of Naval Research's (ONR) TechSolutions program, the Flashing Light to Text Converter (FLTC) features a camera that can be mounted atop a signal lamp to receive Morse code bursts from another lamp within view. A hand-held device or laptop computer is connected to this camera to display text messages sent and received.
SECOND-GENERATION KU-BAND AND KA-BAND SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMARINC792 (Current)12/19/2018
This standard sets forth the desired characteristics of a second-generation aviation Ku-band and Ka-band satellite communication (satcom) system intended for installation in all types of aircraft.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
LOW-EARTH ORBITING AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSARINC771-1 (Current)10/01/2018
This document sets forth the desired characteristics of the Iridium Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO) Aviation Satellite Communication (Satcom) System avionics intended for installation in all types of aircraft including commercial transport, business, and general aviation aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide a description of the system components, aircraft interfaces, and satellite communication functions. It also describes the desired system performance and operational capability of the equipment.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Enhanced SATCOMs for Unmanned Aerial SystemsTBMG-3290409/01/2018
Satellites launched with the purpose of relaying communications have been enabling around-the-globe transmissions of information for half a century. And in this current era of hybrid warfare, that means this decades-old hardware needs to be able to manage the command and control of unmanned aircraft.
Cup Cylindrical Waveguide AntennaTBMG-2870804/01/2018
NASA Glenn’s cup cylindrical waveguide antenna (CCWA) is a short backfire microwave antenna capable of simultaneously supporting the transmission or reception of two distinct signals having opposite circular polarizations. Short backfire antennas are widely used in mobile satellite communications, tracking, telemetry, and wireless local area networks because of their compactness and excellent radiation characteristics.
Secure Optical Quantum CommunicationsTBMG-2873004/01/2018
NASA’s Glenn Research Center has developed a method of using entangled-photon pairs to produce highly secure mobile communications that require mere milliwatts of power. Conventional gas Argon-ion laser sources are too large, expensive, and power-intensive to use in portable applications. By contrast, Glenn’s patented optical quantum communication method produces entangled-photon pairs approximately a million times more efficiently than conventional sources, in a system that is small and light enough to be portable. Furthermore, because this method transmits digital information by detecting small temporal shifts between entangled photons, its superior signal-to-noise ratio facilitates highly secure communications in very noisy free space and fiber-optic environments. Originally developed for micro-robots used for deep space exploration, this technology represents a breakthrough for a wide variety of terrestrial, scientific, military, and other field-deployable applications including
Method and Associated Apparatus for Capturing, Servicing, and De-Orbiting Earth Satellites Using RoboticsTBMG-2872704/01/2018
Engineers at Goddard Space Flight Center have overcome limitations plaguing the satellite sector since its inception through the development of a robotic system allowing for the autonomous capture and servicing of in-orbit satellites. By enabling spacecraft to identify, pursue, and attach to a target satellite, this innovation will make possible satellite inspection, repairing, refueling, and upgrading. The major benefits provided by this technology will be of great interest to the commercial satellite sector.
MARK 3 AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMSARINC781-7 (Current)08/09/2017
This document sets forth the desired characteristics of an aviation satellite communication (Satcom) system intended for installation in all types of commercial transport and business aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide general and specific guidance on the form factor and pin assignments for the installation of the avionics primarily for airline use. It also describes the desired operational capability of the equipment to provide data and voice communications, as well as additional standards necessary to ensure interchangeability. This Characteristic specifies equipment using Inmarsat satellites operating in L-band. Ku-band and Ka-band equipment is specified in ARINC Characteristic 791.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Digital Beamforming InterferometryTBMG-2702406/01/2017
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center has developed a new radar approach that uses a single phased array antenna and a single-pass configuration to generate interferograms, known as Digital Beamforming Interferometry. A digital beamforming radar system allows the implementation of nonconventional radar techniques, known as Digital Beamforming Synthetic Aperture Radar Multimode Operation (DBSAR).
Cellular Reflectarray Antenna and Method of Making SameTBMG-2686205/01/2017
NASA's Glenn Research Center invites companies to license a new concept design for terrestrial satellite dishes and communications systems. The Cellular Reflectarray Antenna (CRA) has been developed and tested for use with next-generation Ka-band satellites, although it can be used with all bands of satellite communication. The design's flat, planar configuration all but eliminates the wind-loading problems associated with larger parabolic reflectors for dish systems. The technology also offers unique features that provide ease of installation and improved signal reception, while deterring piracy and theft of subscription satellite services.
GPS Satellite Geometry Analysis Tool (GPSGEM)TBMG-2688005/01/2017
The purpose of the GPS Satellite Geometry Analysis Tool (GPSGEM) is to evaluate GPS satellite geometry for a given Earth-fixed location or for a provided trajectory. The tool will generate a listing of all satellites in view, the best satellite combination defined by the most optimum Geometric Dilution of Precision (GDOP), the GDOP profile expected if all satellites are available, and the worst-case GDOP profile when one or two satellites are removed from the available constellation. The tool will provide the navigation controller with insight into the expected performance of the GPS constellation, and allow an assessment of the implications to onboard navigation performance for the ascent, orbit, abort, and entry phases of flight.
Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) Game Phase IIITBMG-2616801/01/2017
The Space Communications and Navigation (SCaN) program is responsible for providing communications and navigation services to spaceflight missions located throughout the solar system. Astronauts, mission controllers, and scientists depend upon the reliable transmission of information between Earth and spacecraft in low Earth orbit (LEO) or deep space.
Rice Crop Models Stabilize Global Markets and Enable Efficient IrrigationTBMG-2541409/01/2016
When global food prices spiked dramatically in late 2007 and into 2008, with the costs of many basic dietary staples doubling or even tripling, protests and riots upset much of the developing world. Following the price spike, world leaders gathered to figure out how to foresee and avert such market instabilities in the future, and a major product of those meetings was the Group on Earth Observations’ Global Agricultural Monitoring (GEOGLAM) initiative, carried out by a partnership of governments and international organizations in the G20 nations. The initiative relies primarily on satellite Earth-imaging data to improve projections of crop production and weather forecasting.
Space Optical Communications Using Laser BeamsTBMG-2536409/01/2016
NASA has developed a new technology for space optical communications, including communications from the Earth to spacecraft in Earth orbit and in deep space, such as at the Moon and Mars. The innovation changes the architecture of space optical communications so that a new laser beam pointing technology is used to improve optical data transmissions from spacecraft. This technology will detect a signal laser beam and then return a modulated laser beam to the ground terminal or other transmitter station in a new way. This new design can replace current methods that either use a laser together with a pointing, acquisition, and tracking (PAT) procedure in the spacecraft, or a powerful ground-based laser with a retro-reflector in the spacecraft.
LOW-EARTH ORBITING AVIATION SATELLITE COMMUNICATION SYSTEMARINC771 (Current)08/05/2016
This document sets forth the desired characteristics of the Iridium Low-Earth Orbiting (LEO) Aviation Satellite Communication (Satcom) System avionics intended for installation in all types of aircraft including commercial transport, business, and general aviation aircraft. The intent of this document is to provide a description of the system components, aircraft interface, and satellite communication functions. It also describes the desired system performance and operational capability of the equipment. This characteristic specifies equipment using the next generation of Iridium satellites (referred to as Iridium NEXT) operating in L band with planned launch starting in 2016 and completed network by end of 2017. The services used on the NEXT network are referred to as Iridium CertusSM. The Iridium NEXT satellite network replaces the Iridium legacy satellite network known as Block 1.
Airlines Electronic Engineering Committee
Foldable and Deployable Power Collection SystemTBMG-2494607/01/2016
NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is developing a lightweight space-based solar power array with a high power-to-stowed-volume and weight ratio. The system provides power to small satellites and CubeSats that are power starved, operating on extremely limited power because of the size restrictions for housing onboard power sources. The beauty of NASA’s new solar unit is in its simplicity and packaged power density. Small satellites cannot take advantage of deployable high-efficiency solar cell arrays due to their complexity and mechanical needs; the weight and volume requirements exceed what is available in small satellites and CubeSats. The new system, for example, is compact enough to provide a 3U CubeSat with ~200 Watts, or a 6U with 500 Watts of power. NASA is developing the technology and is looking for partners to license and commercialize it.
Mike Krainak, Laser and Electro-Optics Branch Head, Goddard Space Flight Center, Greenbelt, MDTBMG-2451904/25/2016
In 2020, NASA's first-ever integrated-photonics modem will be tested aboard the International Space Station. Mike Krainak leads the development of the modem, which integrates optics-based functions such as lasers, switches, and wires onto a microchip. The technology will improve the way NASA sends and receives data during space missions.
Positioning Simulation Using a 3D Map and Verification of Positional Estimation Accuracy in Urban Areas Using Actual Measurement2016-01-008304/05/2016
Positional accuracy of GPS measurement has been based on simulation and actual measurement due to the difficulty of conducting 24-hour actual running tests. However, the conventional measurement is only based on brief evaluation; hence variability of positional accuracy which varies depending on measurement time and location had been an issue. Thus, it is significant to show the validity by the estimation of positional accuracy, and actual measurement using of lengthy simulation. In this study, actual measurement data in an urban area was obtained for long hours, and a simulation using 3D maps was implemented. A high precision positional measurement system was equipped on a vehicle in order to collect actual measurements and positional data at each measurement time. The data obtained by the measurement system was used as the reference coordinate for both the simulation and the actual measurements. Consequently, comparison between the simulation and actual measurement data on positional
Komatsu, Satoru, Nagao, Akira, Suzuki, Taro, Kubo, Nobuaki
Clamoring for a connection16MEIP03_1003/01/2016
Many of today's constantly connected consumers balk at spending a few hours without Web access. Commercials airlines are responding by forging links with satellite providers that give flyers the same capabilities they have on the ground. Increasing bandwidth is one of the focal points for inflight entertainment and connectivity (IFEC) systems. “High throughput satellites (HTS) are going to be launched in early 2016, which will make exponentially more capacity available,” said Panasonic Avionics Corp. spokesman Brian Bardwell. “Layering these HTS spot beams over our existing wide-beam network ensures both global coverage and the greatest throughput. Our wide-beam network today covers 99.6% of all commercial flight hours, offering up to 50 Mbps. HTS capacity that will bring 200 Mbps, as well as extremely high throughput capacity, that will bring up to 3.3 Gbps in certain regions.”
Costlow, Terry
Eliminating the Need for Payload-Specific Coupled Loads Analyses Without Mission RiskTBMG-2411703/01/2016
Amore efficient structural verification process for small satellites has been demonstrated. This new process eliminates the need for payload-specific coupled loads analysis (CLA) and simplifies structural testing while not increasing mission risk. The process entails the following:
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