Tutorial for analytical and scientific approaches related to LEO satellites ground station performance, including math, experiments, and simulations. Ground Station Design and Analysis for LEO satellites provides complete instructions and steps for ground station performance evaluation, including stations dedicated for scientific or communication purposes, and offers the reader an enhanced learning experience by proposing 40 ideas related to ground station performance assessment. Each idea goes over the math analysis, experiment or simulation, the methodology applied, the results, and a conclusion. This approach provides the reader with the opportunity to compare theoretical results with on-site results, guiding the reader towards intelligent and practical performance evaluation and enhancement. The text also considers the future emerging developments of LEO satellites and their challenges and applications, including multimedia and other scientific applications. Stemming from the highly qualified author’s research work of roughly 20 years, Ground Station Design and Analysis for LEO Satellites includes information on: Interference aspects, covering intermodulation interference modeling for LEO satellite ground stations and downlink adjacent interference for LEO search and rescue satellites Sun synchronization, covering nodal regression and Sun synchronization of low Earth orbits through inclination angle. Horizon plane and communication duration, covering communications duration with LEO satellites under ideal, practical and designed horizon plane for LEO satellite ground stations Figure of merit and system noise temperature, covering composite and antenna noise temperature, Sun noise experiment and desensibilization measurements at LEO satellite ground stations Ground Station Design and Analysis for LEO Satellites is an innovative and advanced tutorial-based resource that will appeal to satellite engineers (operators/vendors) working on the operation, maintenance, and performance evaluation of ground stations, as well as postgraduate students/early-stage researchers wishing to obtain knowledge on this state-of-the-art technology.

In recent decades, the number of satellites being built and launched into Earth’s orbit has grown immensely, alongside the field of space engineering itself. This book offers an in-depth guide to engineers and professionals seeking to understand the technologies behind Low Earth Orbit satellites. With access to special spreadsheets that provide the key equations and relationships needed for mastering spacecraft design, this book gives the growing crop of space engineers and professionals the tools and resources they need to prepare their own LEO satellite designs, which is especially useful for designers of small satellites such as those launched by universities. Each chapter breaks down the various mathematics and principles underlying current spacecraft software and hardware designs.

This main purpose of this project is to prepare a fully-operational Satellite Ground Station. Moreover, it also pursues to give a remote control capability to it. This has been done by designing and building two major blocks: the Hardware system and the Software system. In order to actually test the solution, the thesis participated in a real space mission by the hand of OpenCosmos Ltd. It was known that qb01, which is OpenCosmos first cubesat, will be launched during the development of this thesis. That is why, the ground station selected qb01 as its design point, while constantly trying to generate a solution as general as possible to any satellite. Therefore, a UHF band, half-duplex SDR based system for LEO satellites was designed. Finally, the system was verified by being used in real operations by the satellite operators.

"The design and performance of broadband Ka-band satellite communication systems depends mostly on the radio propagation characteristics of the earth-to-space path. The goal of this project was to develop and deploy a low earth orbit (LEO) ground station terminal capable of collecting radiometric and beacon data at Ka-band frequencies; which ranges approximately from 20 to 30 GHz. LEO satellites will employ high data rates to transfer very large amounts of data. High data rates require large channel bandwidth; a motivation to utilized Ka-band frequencies. Many radio frequency (RF) propagation effects are more severe at Ka-band frequencies than at lower frequencies. Collected data can be statistically analyzed and used to study the Earth's atmosphere RF propagation effects at Ka-band, applicable to LEO links; thus improving the system availability models currently used. Collection of propagation data and its analysis is important for the development of satellite link analysis and communication component design, capability and requirements. Currently no LEO attenuation prediction models are available at Ka-band. This project provides a starting point to understand the dynamic effects of the Earth's atmosphere on rapidly changing Ka-band transmission from a LEO spacecraft. A LEO propagation model will enable communication system designers to improve their systems availability."--Abstract.

"This thesis describes the design and construction of a satellite ground station constructed in support of the Citizen Explorer Program. The University of Alaska Fairbanks was chosen to participate in this program due to its latitude that gives it excellent access to polar-orbiting satellites. The advantage that higher latitudes have in accessing low earth orbiting satellites is examined. It is demonstrated that Fairbanks, Alaska, has roughly twice the access to polar orbiting satellites than the mid-latitudes of the contiguous US. Link budgets for the communication system were developed, which led to the construction of helical antennas to communicate with the satellite. Data are presented that demonstrate the antennas, as well as the rest of the satellite tracking system, functioned acceptably. The satellite ground station will provide internet access to the spacecraft. The procedure used to test this approach and its results are given, as well as recommendations for future work"--Leaf iii.

This updated and expanded second edition reflects the state of earth station design and ground segment architecture. From international telephone network gateways to direct broadcast home receivers, today’s broad range of ground systems and devices require satellite communication engineers and business managers to have a broad and sound understanding of the design and operating principles of earth stations and ground control facilities. This book explores the delivery end of the satellite link and its relationship to delivery of services. Authored by a leading authority in the field, the book provides engineers and managers with the knowledge they need to devise their own approach to implementing and managing earth stations and the overall ground segment. Readers find practical guidance in an array of critical areas, including: preparing requirements, performing preliminary analyses, reviewing hardware designs, managing the introduction of the overall ground segment, and more.