SMALL SATELLITE ACCESS OF THE SPACE NETWORK

Abstract

Small satellites have been perceived as having limited access to NASA's Space Network consisting of the TDR satellites and associated ground terminals. This paper presents the potential for access of the space network using basic small satellite design constraints and a simple helical antenna for the communications links. From the analysis derived through simulation of the orbit of both satellites, small satellites can be shown to have up to 30 minutes per orbit of single-TDRS access. Data rates on the order of 100 kbps are possible in this configuration with total daily data volumes in excess of 100 Mbits being achievable. Design parameters are given for a variety of orbital inclination angles and spacecraft transmission powers to illustrate the expected available contact time for such small satellites to the Space Network. This is compared with typical access time through a fixed ground station.