Smart Data Node in the Sky (SDNITS): communications system

The design of the telecommunications network to serve the high data producing, spatially diverse satellites must be defined, so that the high volume data is conveniently and efficiently transferred to the desired location on ground from a system of satellites. The system consists of multiple satellites in different orbits; these orbits may be circular, elliptical or geosynchronous in nature. Each of the satellites in the network generates high data volume that needs to be transmitted to the ground station in near real time to be distributed to the users. Each satellite\´s orbit must be selected so that it supports the maximum science data generation and at the same time helps communications between the satellite and ground. These satellites embody the high data volume science satellites of the future. In this paper we will discuss: the steps for adequately designing such a complex telecommunications system "Smart Data Node in the Sky (SDNITS)"; algorithm development for this process; specifications to be levied on the interfacing subsystems; type of the system e.g., the usual Radio Frequency system or a laser communication system. Within the Radio Frequency system, usual residual or suppressed carrier system or a spread spectrum system would be needed etc. Preliminary design parameter values such as the power amplifier rating, antenna size and slewing, Doppler frequency and rate, ground station antenna slewing and acceleration, visibility times at the ground station and for satellite-satellite communications and overall system performance are also presented in this paper.