Architecture and Concept of Operation of Next-Generation Ground Network for Communications and Tracking of Interplanetary Smallsats

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. In [23], we discussed the communications and tracking challenges facing interplanetary smallsats and CubeSats, and the next-generation ground network architecture being evolved to mitigate those challenges. In this paper we summarized the results in [23]. Based on our understanding on the mission set of interplanetary smallsats and ground network architecture, we discuss the preliminary thoughts on the operations concept that would transform the current DSN architecture to a federated network architecture that, in addition to traditional deep space missions, can also provide just-in-time communications and tracking services to a large number of interplanetary smallsats/CubeSats. We focus on the following topics:1. DSN compatibility and interfaces. Challenges on integrating heterogeneous non-DSN antennas into the DSN service management and service execution framework.3. Cross-support with university antennas, with other space agencies, and with other research centers.4. Network planning and scheduling concepts that maximize pass opportunities for smallsats and CubeSats.

A Roadmap Toward a Unified Space Communication Architecture

“…These challenges also raise other open research questions: 1) What is the best method to track and operate multiple spacecraft simultaneously, including spectrum coordination? 2) How to streamline the access to DSN and the related services [104]?…”

Status and prospect of China's deep space TT&C network

“…[12] , 如图 4 所示. [13] . [15] ; 测距支持侧音测距、ESA 标准音码混合测距和 CCSDS 建议标准的伪码测距, 双向测距 精度可以达到 1 m [15] ; 干涉测量具备支持 S, X 和 Ka 三频段的窄带测量能力, 可以实现差分单向测距 [18,19] .…”

“…深空光通信技术是指以激光或空间自由光为载体, 通过望远镜进行深空通信的技术. 激光的频率 比射频信号高 4∼5 个数量级, 极高的频率使得激光具有更好的方向性和更为丰富的宽带资源 [13] , 并且 在相同数据传输速率条件下, 体积更小、质量更轻、投资费用更少. 目前, 国际上对于光通信技术的研 究还处于研究和在轨验证阶段.…”

Kernel Embedding Approaches to Orbit Determination of Spacecraft Clusters

“…These deployments can be over widely varying orbit ranges from low Earth to deep space (Schoolcraft et al, 2017). Requirements for successful and efficient mission operations for such growing numbers of spacecrafts have lead to the development of ground station networks with widely varying communications and costs (Cutler and Fox, 2006;Minelli, 2012;Cheung et al, 2015). The increasing number of clustered spacecraft deployments have also lead to an increased nead in autonomy within these networks where scheduling, operations, and tracking are performed autonomously (Cutler and Fox, 2006;Cheung et al, 2015;Leveque et al, 2007;Colton and Klofas, 2016).…”