amsatLink is a proposed three-phased program to ultimately establish a constellation of nanosatellites, linked in a peer-to-peer voice communications network for amateur satellite service. As a wireless ad hoc network, future satellites can be added to the network and ground stations, moving in and out of a nanosatellite node’s footprint, can easily join and exit the network.
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IEEE 802.11 wireless ad hoc network, operating within the FCC Part 97 amateur radio frequency allocation of the 2.4 GHz microwave band
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Individual satellite and ground nodes connect directly, dynamically, and non-hierarchically to as many other nodes as possible and cooperate with one another to create one virtual network that can efficiently route data from/to clients.
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If one endpoint cannot see its desired destination, but can see nodes in between, the data will hop from one to the next until the final connection is made – completely and automatically.
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Small stack protocol to reduce overhead and ease communications between network nodes
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Absolute timing obtained from GPS
In addition, as a constellation of nanosatellites orbiting the Earth, amsatLink allows for the multipoint collection of space weather measurements, which contribute a unique and invaluable set of scientific data for scientific and educational analysis.
While the idea of cross-link communication between satellites is not new, amsatLink hopes to continue the efforts of NASA’s PhoneSat, EDSN constellation, and NODES missions, by
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expanding the network to include ground-based nodes,
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demonstrating the use of voice over internet protocol communications, and
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organizing nodes into clusters, where each cluster consists of one nanosatellite node and any visible ground nodes.
amsatLink will continue NASA’s design philosophy by utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and keeping the design and mission objectives as simple as possible. Estimated total hardware cost per satellite is less than $5,000. Proposed ground stations will also use off the shelf equipment with a total estimated cost of less than $150.
Design and build working prototypes of both nanosatellite and ground nodes as a proof of concept and test systems integration. Testing will include a terrestrial-based simulation and a high-altitude (60,000 – 105,000 feet ASL) simulation as payload aboard high-altitude balloon launch.
Build two 1.5u nanosatellite nodes and launch them from the ISS as a technology demonstrator of a peer-to-peer communications network. Due to the expected orbit being only 400km-450km, we expect a short mission lifetime of only two weeks to a month.
Initial deployment of a three-1.5u nanosatellite formation at an optimal orbital altitude. Subsequent launches will add nodes to the network, greatly expanding the cross-link coverage area.