Digital Communications Systems for Scientific Mission Satellites

Abstract

The essential parameters pertinent to the design of the communications and data handling subsystem of a general purpose scientific mission satellite have been outlined. The space-to-ground communications system in scientific satellites is a complex system which has evolved over many years. Some of the tradeoffs involved in the baseband and RF technologies have been presented. Typical parameter values have been included to illustrate the important considerations.

Indexing terms:

• Satellite Communication
• Ranging space craft data management