Pluto in Space!
The project has the aim to validate the S-band radiolink of OFDM communication for satellite extended NB-IoT between ground terminals, known as User Equipments (UEs), and an evolved NodeB (eNB) integrated in a LEO satellite payload.
The payload is planned to be launched in early March 2021 through the UNISAT-7 mission operated by GAUSS Srl.
The payload, constituted of a transceiver and an antenna is based on the ADALM-Pluto from Analog Devices Inc (ADI), a flexible SDR platform to which some adjustments at both hardware and firmware level have been introduced, and a antenna.
All hardware & firmware have been completely designed and engineered by RAME.
The LEO orbit is expected to reach stable regime at 600-700Km altitude with about 97° inclination.
The validation of the radiolink will be performed by characterizing:
- effective visibility time and coverage area
- bit error rate for the communication
- Doppler effect compensation method developed by RAME
The goal for the characterization of the radiolink will represent the possibility to extend the communication features in a constellation of small satellites allowing the NB-IoT standard to be extended into space.
More news to be added as soon as the launch will take place!