Abstract
AbstractThis chapter focuses on a space-based application for South Africa that was investigated by the University of Cape Town (UCT). The research analyses the questions and options how to control and communicate with small satellites in a different way other than the traditional solution with hardware-based ground stations. This approach discusses the introduction of a Software Defined Radio (SDR) as an alternative means to receive or transmit signals for small-satellite data exchange in Low Earth Orbit (LEO). As a low-cost and flexible solution SDR is able to support space faring stakeholders for research and education purposes with a non-conventional and affordable capability to operate satellites in national and international collaborations. For this, various fundamentals of satellite space flight are contextualized and then technical principles are defined. Specific mission objectives for small satellite usage and related requirements for software and hardware are discussed to further describe the actual test environment of various tracking sessions conducted in the SpaceLab faculty at UCT. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for the introduction and usage of low cost and portable SDR ground stations are derived from the project.
Published Version
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