Design of the radio communication link to a Low-Earth Orbit Satellite

In this project, the goal is to support the development of a space hardened carrier board for an Iridium module installed on a LEO satellite that will be launched in 2027. The board will serve to bring power from the onboard electrical power system (EPS) and communicate with the on-board computer (OBC) over a data line. The Iridium module will also need at least one antenna to communicate with the Iridium constellation. The project will entail interfacing with the Iridium module, building out commands to use on the OBC, along with building commands to be sent to the module through the constellation. In addition to this, simulation will need to be done to ensure proper placement of the antenna(s) on the bus, along with link budget analysis to design and build out the radio-frequency (RF) front-end of the system to ensure the proper power is irradiated from the antenna. At the end, the finalized module should be able to go through a field test outside to communicate with the Iridium constellation. Along with this, the intern will contribute to the development of the carrier board design, manufacturing, assembly and testing.

Faculty Supervisor:

Jean-Francois Bousquet

Student:

Partner:

GALAXIA Mission Systems Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

Manufacturing; Professional, scientific and technical services

University:

Dalhousie University

Program: