LOW COST SATELLITE TRANSPORTABLE GROUND STATION

Abstract

A low cost Transportable Ground Station (TGS) for satellite tracking, Telemetry & control (TT&C) applications has been developed. The initial focus of the TGS is to provide S-Band Space-Ground-Link-Subsystem (SGLS) TT&C services for these satellites with compatible transponders. The TGS also has the capability to be expanded to perform mission control station tasks including telemetry data analysis, command formulation, mission analysis and satellite ephemeris generation. The TGS consists of an International Shipping Organization (ISO) shelter and a foldable 5 meter antenna both of which are mounted on a 48' commercial air ride trailer. The TGS size meets requirements for United States highway transportation. The TGS can also be transported via C-130 aircraft. A photograph of the TGS model is shown in Figures 1 and 2.