NPS-SCAT; Communications System Design, Test and Integration of NPS' First CubeSat

Abstract

The Naval Postgraduate School's (NPS) first CubeSat, NPS Solar Cell Array Tester (NPS-SCAT), will be the foundation for future advances in CubeSats at NPS. NPS-SCAT demonstrates the capability of the CubeSat form factor as a technology test bed for a single experiment - a solar cell tester. This thesis discusses and explains the design, testing, and integration of two full TT&C sub-system for NPS-SCAT. The primary and secondary transceivers will both use the amateur frequency band through an approved AMSAT license. This thesis explains the concept of operations of NPS-SCAT, which drove the data requirements for the TT&C. This thesis also explains the testing of the primary and secondary transceivers and the design, test and integration of the antennas. Finally, this thesis will discuss the TT&C ground station construction, methodology, testing and the frequency coordination access.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA531480

Entities

People

  • Cody K. Mortansen

Organizations

  • Naval Postgraduate School

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Amplitude Modulation
  • Anechoic Chambers
  • Antenna Radiation Patterns
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Communication Systems
  • Computers
  • Frequency
  • Frequency Bands
  • Ground Stations
  • Launchers
  • Payload
  • Radio Frequency
  • Satellite Buses
  • Small Satellites
  • Solar Panels
  • Space Systems
  • Transmitters

Readers

  • Aerospace Test and Evaluation
  • STEM Education
  • Software Engineering.