MISSION PLANNING

Careful and detailed mission planning -- particularly radio frequency planning -- gives satellite projects the best chances of success. Working out space station and Earth station operating frequencies and link operating parameters at the very beginning of the design process means:

• Communication links will work because the link budget is planned to be adequate for the mission

• Antenna gain, physical size(s), placement(s), and pointing accuracy (if needed) will be adequate for the mission

• Transmitter power requirements, emission, and coding types will be selected for efficiency and performance

• Receiver design will be selected for sensitivity, bandwidth, and susceptibility to interference so that it will perform adequately for the mission

• Space station power generation and storage will be adequate for the mission

Radio frequency (RF) planning at the beginning of your project means fewer design changes, lower project costs, and a greater chance of your project succeeding.

This document should help by explaining and defining some basic frequency management issues to help you through the beginning of RF planning. Important topics include:

• Treaty basis for worldwide radio regulation

• Special frequency management terms and definitions

• Frequency coordination process
  • Amateur service and amateur-satellite service station coordination
  • Starting the frequency coordination process
  • IARU frequency coordination assistance
  • International frequency planning requirements

• Operational guidelines
  • Amateur satellites
  • Station control
  • Multi-service satellites
  • Permissible communication
  • Open access
  • Broadcasting (not permitted!)

• Review of mission plans and service options

No doubt, radio frequency planning seems involved and full of details. But, keep in mind that Earth stations and space stations must take into account other users of the radio spectrum and the laws of physics. When you plan properly, you will consider both and your project likely will work.

Download the full document in PDF by clicking here