Design of a Small Satellite TT&C Subsystem

Abstract

The aim of this project was to design and analyse a Telemetry, Tracking and Command Subsystem (TT&C) for a Microgravity Experiment Recovery Satellite (MERS) with multiple experiment payloads to operate at a variety of Low Earth Orbits (LEO) and inclinations. This subsystem is an integral part of any satellite system as it performs three vital functions; monitoring satellite health, tracking satellite position, and processing received and transmitted data. The project was divided into three parts; the literature review and background research, the design, and the analysis. As a result of the design process, two different configurations were proposed; Configuration A, which utilises VHF and UHF Bands is the ideal configuration; and Configuration B, which introduces an S-Band component to allow for the ability to support higher data rates. Analysis was conducted for altitudes of 400, 600, and 800 km for inclinations of 47⁰ and 98⁰. It was determined that Configuration A satisfied all the requirements derived for the MERS Communication system, whereas Configuration B failed to meet the requirement to operate at a variety of LEOs. Overall, Configuration A proved to have a greater daily data downlink capacity compared to Configuration B, which was due to a combination of poor link margin performance and access time for the Configuration B system.