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Satellites
PAYLOAD
The payload comprises of a Repeater and Antenna subsystem and performs the primary function of communication.
REPEATER
It is a device that receives a signal and retransmits it to a higher
level and/or higher power onto the other side of the obstruction
so that the signal can cover longer distance.
A repeater in the satellite receives the uplink RF signal and
converts it to an appropriate downlink frequency.
It does the work of processing the received signal. Two types of
repeater architectures are used. They are given below.
Transparent Repeater
Simple Antenna
The length of the dipole is not arbitrary, but, for example, half
the wavelength of the signal to transmit results in a very
efficient radiation of the energy. If mounted on the roof of a car,
the length of /4 is efficient. This is also known as Marconi
antenna. A /2 dipole has a uniform or omni-directional radiation
pattern in one plane and a figure eight pattern in the other two
planes as shown. This type of antenna can only overcome
environmental challenges by boosting the power level of the
signal.
BUS
The bus or payload platform consists of the subsystems that
support the payload. These subsystems typically include:
Structures subsystem: the physical structure of the
spacecraft, to which all electronics boxes, thrusters, sensors,
propellant tanks, and other components are mounted;
Electric power/distribution subsystem (EPS or EPDS): the
hard- and software used to generate and distribute electrical
power to the spacecraft, including solar arrays, batteries, solararray controllers, power converters, electrical harnesses,
battery-charge-control electronics, and other components;
Telemetry, tracking, and command subsystem (TT&C): The
electronics used to track, monitor, and communicate with the
Transponder switching
Switch matrix configuration
Antenna pointing control
Controlling direction and speed of solar array drive
Battery reconditioning
Beacon switching
Thruster firing
Switching heaters of the various sub-systems
Tracking
Tracking of the satellite is accomplished by having the satellite
transmit beacon signals which are received at the TT&C earth
stations. Tracking is obviously important during the transmitter
and drift orbital phases of the satellite launch.
When on-station, a geo-stationary satellite will tend to shifted as
a result of the various distributing forces, as described
previously. Therefore it is necessary to be able to track the
satellites movements and send correction signals as required.
Satellite range is also required for time to time. This can be
determined by measurement of propagation delay of signals
specially transmitted for ranging purposes.
Propulsion system.
Auto piloting system
Aerodynamic structure
Interactive steering subsystem