OPTIMIZATION OF INTER-CUBESAT COMMUNICATION LINKS
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Authors
Lin, Jianwen
Subjects
Cubesat
Constellations
inter-satellite link
Constellations
inter-satellite link
Advisors
Su, Weilian
Ha, Tri T.
Date of Issue
2016-09
Date
September 2016
Publisher
Monterey, California. Naval Postgraduate School
Language
Abstract
Cubesat constellations may become the next generation of communication backbone architecture to
provide future worldwide communication services. In this thesis, we investigate the feasibility of
deploying Cubesat constellations with inter-satellite links (ISL) for the delivery of continuous global
communication. Cubesat constellation designs for various mission scenarios are proposed and verified
using a simulation toolkit commonly used by space engineers. Link optimization to improve the overall
theoretical data rate is also discussed. The results obtained affirm that a Cubesat constellation at an orbital
height of 450 km can achieve a data rate of 11.46 kbps and requires the least number of satellites in the
constellation. We ascertained that using ISL as the communication backbone in a network architecture,
complete with space and globally distributed ground nodes, is achievable. In the near future, there is a high
potential for the implementation of ISL with optical communication links, whereby there is assurance of a
significantly higher data rate and lower power requirements.
Type
Thesis
Description
Series/Report No
Department
Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE)
Organization
Identifiers
NPS Report Number
Sponsors
Funder
Format
Citation
Distribution Statement
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.
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Copyright is reserved by the copyright owner.