Satellite relay for unmanned air vehicle data

The Phase 1 Small Business Innovative Research (SBIR) study, performed for Air Force Space Division XRP is analyzed. The objectives of the Phase I effort were to develop and evaluate various satellite system concepts that will provide support for unmanned air vehicle (UAV) data relay. This program attempts to show that the states of the art of transmitters, receivers, antennas, power sources, and data compression techniques has advanced to the point that a practical UAV data link through a satellite can be demonstrated. The primary objectives were to determine the applicable UAV missions for a satellite relay link and the optimum data compression techniques and rates, and to provide preliminary designs for the UAV (particularly the UAV antenna design) and relay satellite communications packages, as well as plan for the Phase II effort, including a demonstration