Abstract
AbstractIn the present concept of the International Space Station ISS, it is planned to provide the communication services between the European Columbus module of the ISS and the ground equipment via the TDRS (tracking and data relay satellite) network provided by the American NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Agency). Especially because of its low uplink data rate, an unacceptable limitation of the communication services with Columbus is to be expected.In order to investigate possible improvements to this situation, the MEDIS proposal studies the feasibility of a 150 Mbps full duplex communication system to the Columbus Module on via two MEO satellites. A mixed topology with optical inter satellite links and Ka‐band up/down‐links shall be employed. Also possible liaisons with the Artemis mission will be considered.The MEDIS project is a collaboration of Astrium GmbH, which is project manager, Bosch SatCom, GMD‐Fokus and the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The preparation phase of the project will investigate the concept of the communications infrastructure and the experiments that could be realized when the MEOs are launched. This stage has been completed in February 2001. An additional study phase followed, which will be completed with a presentation in July 2002.Briefly the following aspects have been studied by DLR in the preparation phase: the overall concept of experimental communication services for Columbus, the system requirements and network topology, the relevant protocol and hardware architectures, useful satellite constellations and link scenarios. Two phases could follow the preparation phase, in phase one the satellite will be launched and the link will be tested. In phase two the satellites will be connected to the ISS. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.