ZigBee Conquers Space-Based SATCOM Tests

A dual miniature satellite system uses a ZigBee wireless sensor network (WSN) for inter-/intra-satellite communications.

Iliza Sokol

Aug. 29, 2014

2 min read

The picosatellite aboard VELOXI only weighs 15 kg All images courtesy of World Scientific Unmanned Systems — The picosatellite aboard VELOX-I only weighs 1.5 kg. (All images courtesy of World Scientific: *Unmanned Systems*)

As researchers work to build lighter, more powerful satellites, communications payloads must adapt to the new surroundings, which means finding a compliant infrastructure. Engineers at the Satellite Research Centre of Nanyang Technological University in Singapore recently turned to ZigBee, typically only used for land-based wireless systems, as an alternative for satellite communications (SATCOM). In an experiment, the team recently launched VELOX-I, which consisted of a nanosatellite and piggyback picosatellite. Both satellites were configured with a ZigBee wireless sensor network (WSN).

Onboard sensor-node functionality, including local sensing, distributed computing, and data-gathering, support intra-SATCOM. The miniature satellites—weighing 3.5 kg (nanosatellite) and 1.5 kg (picosatellite)—were able to maintain inter-SATCOM with each other over long distances.

Having previously tested the satellites’ range in the laboratory, the team this time applied a link budget analysis based on the Friis transmission equation, to test the range in free space. An average theoretical distance of 4.186 km and a maximum of 15.552 km were derived.

Mwrf Com Sites Mwrf com Files Uploads 2014 08 Zig Bee Satellite Combo

VELOX-I before (left) and after (right) launch.

WSNs also proved proficient for intra-satellite communications. The team found that replacing internally wired connections with wireless links could reduce a satellite’s mass by up to 10%. Overall, by essentially eliminating the communications cabling in typical satellites and minimizing development costs and risks, WSNs could lead to a new platform for formation-flying satellite missions.

All findings were published in special issue of World Scientific’s Unmanned Systems.

About the Author

Iliza Sokol

Associate Digital Editor

Iliza joined the Penton Media group in 2013 after graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology with a BS in Advertising and Marketing Communications. Prior to joining the staff, she worked at NYLON Magazine and a ghostwriting firm based in New York.