Transceiver UHF/VHF for TT&C subsystems of a cube and nanosatellites

• Grant number: 20/05837-0
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Innovative Research in Small Business - PIPE
• Start date: June 01, 2021
• End date: February 28, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Engineering - Aerospace Engineering - Aerospace Systems
• Principal Investigator: Marcelo Henrique Essado de Morais
• Grantee: Marcelo Henrique Essado de Morais
• Company: Essado de Morais Ltda. - ME
• CNAE: Telecomunicações por satélite ; Desenvolvimento de programas de computador sob encomenda
• Associated researchers: Reni Wiliyanti
• Associated scholarship(s): 21/05993-4 - Transceiver UHF/VHF for TT&C subsystems of a cube and nanosatellites, BP.PIPE

Abstract

This document describes the Project Plan to develop a VHF/UHF transceiver full duplex for TT&C (Tracking, Telemetry and Command) subsystems to be used on small satellites missions knowing as Cubesats or Nanosatellites. The radio will be operated in amateur radio and commercial bands with low consumption, low mass and high reliability with the possibility to change the frequency and velocity of data transmission during the flight (in flight). The project will develop a prototype of the radio for communication test and validation together with the possible customers and clients of this technology in Brazil. This client already started to build other subsystems of cubesats and nanosatellites in Brazil and they showed interesting in this product we will develop. The miniaturization of the radio is possible including with a high efficiency due to the electronic state-of-the-art and allow us to develop low-cost space missions. In the Phase 1 for the technical and business viability it will be defined a study for this technical viability in terms of electronics components, for the cubesat and nanosatellite platform standards, a design and layout of a printed circuit board (PCB) followed by communication tests and validation together with the partner and future client of the technology. The EMSISTI for the expertise acquired during the development of small satellites technology projects it is ready and able to execute the project to attend an emerging national and international market. The main steps of the project are: * Requirements definitions for the proposed challenge in terms of technical solution (electrical and mechanical); * Electrical Design and layout of the PCB, including list of components; * Documentation and Fabrication of PCB; * Assembly, calibration and testing of the communication interface. The methodology for project development is the ECSS (European Cooperation for Space Standardization) standards, a set of best practices for space projects made by European companies and governmental agencies that seek to decrease the lack of technical and management issues during the space project life cycle. The expected results are: a) the PCB of an engineer model of the TT&C subsystem for a cubesat or nanosatellite. b) Control and Data interface between the TT&C subsystem and on-board computer. c) Testing and validation of the TT&C subsystem with the client (proof of concept - MVP). d) Patent request. (AU)