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An academic client teamed with S&ST to evaluate the feasibility of developing a low-cost Supervisory Control And Data Acquisition (SCADA) transceiver system. These Field Site transceivers would be in very remote locations and would need to be able to downlink commands from the SCADA Control Center satellite as well as uplink status reporting and/or emergency data. NASA would provide assistance as part of a demonstration of their Advanced Communication Technology Satellite (ACTS).
S&ST was able to help the client in 2 key areas: Development Time and Cost. The time factor was critical to synchronize with NASA's own objectives, and the cost had to be very low for the final units to be produced by the thousands. We piggy-backed existing technology by adapting the Mobile Satellite (MSAT) systems and by using existing satellites for our preliminary tests. By using the consulting talents of S&ST the client was able to proceed much more rapidly and with greater understanding and confidence. Some of the specific items addressed included: |
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- ALOHA/SLOTTED ALOHA schemes
- Bit Error Rates and Forward Error Correction (BER/FEC) studies
- BPSK/QPSK Phase Modulation
- "Double Hop" satellite routing
- High/Low burst rates
- Meteor Burst temporary paths
- Multiple access methods (TDMA, CDMA, FDMA, SDMA, DAMA)
- Multiple spot beams and related Space Segment antennas
- Orbital Mechanics & Perturbations
- S, X, L, Ku and Ka band technologies
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- Rain Fade and Ionospheric effects
- Regenerative Repeaters & "Bent Pipe" Satellite Transponder Systems
- Saturation Curves and Backoffs
- TDOA, AOA & LORAN geolocation
- Telemetry, Tracking, and Ranging
- Satellite Transponder EIRP and G/T
- Uplink Hubs, Downlink/Uplink Ground Stations and Link Budgets
- Very Small/Ultra Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT/USAT) antennas
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A report, on hardcopy and magnetic media, was prepared for the client. This data, along with close consultant-client communication through the contract and beyond, facilitated a successful system design. With prior consent, this client can be contacted about their satisfaction with the services of S&ST.
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