A Shared Satellite Ground Station Using User-Oriented Virtualization Technology

Yandu Liu,Hong Ma,Yiwen Jiao,Yudi Chen,Tao Wu

doi:10.1109/access.2020.2984485

Yandu Liu, Hong Ma + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.2984485

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Abstract

With the development of space missions, the increasing communication data volume, the diversity of mission-specific interfaces, and the growing security needs, the costs and system complexity of ground stations have increased. The architecture of the existing ground terminal is outdated and the operation and maintenance are labor-intensive, so the terminal components are unable to meet the demand of multi-satellite TT&C in the future. In this paper, a Shared Satellite Ground Station(SSGS) using user-oriented virtualization technology is proposed for coping with complex multi-satellite TT&C in the future. Based on a pool architecture, SSGS utilizes baseband processor virtualization and software-defined networking to implement resource sharing and a network that fuses high-speed and low-speed data streams with customization control. The case analysis verifies that when SSGS has a virtualization rate greater than 1, the execution rate of tasks is much larger than that of traditional ground stations. The case analysis also verifies that the virtualization rate of current commercial equipment is no less than 1.25 through equipment testing.

Highlights

Ground stations are used for receiving payload data and Spacecraft telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C)
SSGS implements resource sharing and reducing overall costs and possesses the ability to cope with complex multi-satellite TT&C in the future, which is easier to expand, upgrade and maintain
A pool architecture for establishing SSGS is proposed, where SSGS is divided into six functional domains: RF link, signal processing, service gateway, system management, task scheduling, and infrastructure

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Ground stations are used for receiving payload data and Spacecraft telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C). SSC (Swedish Space Corporation)’s PrioraNet is a global ground station network consisting of a network management center, SSC’s core stations, and cooperative stations all over the world It provides reliable mission management, TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry and Command) and payload data reception for the global satellites. Reference [13] introduces the concept of virtual satellite ground station and its potential application with a short case, where the core of the virtualization architecture is software-defined networking, while two basic aspects of the network were described in [14]: Resource Management & Routing and Networking. It is proposed to use baseband processor virtualization to isolate TT & C applications from the physical platform, efficiently and securely promote the sharing of ground station equipment By this method, the owner of the ground station system reduces the number of equipment, increases the hardware utilization rate, and reduces capital and operating expenses.

PRELIMINARIES

CASE ANALYSIS

Findings

CONCLUSION