The rapid evolution of small satellite systems is unlocking new possibilities for both civilian and military applications, from enhanced navigation and communications to advanced remote sensing and scientific research. These compact spacecraft, constrained by size, mass, and power limitations, are increasingly deployed in large constellations or clusters to overcome individual limitations and achieve mission objectives more effectively. By leveraging mass-produced small satellites, missions such as gravity mapping, forest fire tracking, and water resource identification can achieve improved spatial and temporal resolution, offering unprecedented insights and capabilities.
As these satellite constellations grow in complexity, the need for robust inter-satellite communication networks becomes paramount. These networks must dynamically configure and maintain routes, manage intermediate nodes, and reconfigure themselves to meet mission objectives. Effective inter-satellite communication is crucial for enabling coordinated operations among satellites flying in formation, ensuring seamless data exchange and operational efficiency.
In a comprehensive survey, researchers Radhika Radhakrishnan, William Edmonson, Fatemeh Afghah, R. Rodriguez-Osorio, Frank Pinto, and Scott Burleigh explore the current state of inter-satellite communication technologies, focusing on the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model. Their research delves into the design parameters applicable to the physical, data link, and network layers of the OSI model, which are foundational for establishing reliable communication links between satellites.
The study highlights various research efforts within the small satellite community aimed at implementing inter-satellite communications. It provides a detailed analysis of the challenges faced by small satellite systems and proposes solutions to enhance their operational capabilities. By examining the physical layer, the researchers address issues related to signal propagation, antenna design, and frequency allocation, which are critical for establishing robust communication links in space.
At the data link layer, the survey explores protocols and mechanisms for error detection, correction, and data framing, ensuring reliable data transmission between satellites. The network layer is examined for routing algorithms, addressing schemes, and network management strategies, which are essential for maintaining efficient communication across the satellite constellation.
The researchers also present a comprehensive list of design parameters that are crucial for achieving effective inter-satellite communications. These parameters include factors such as bandwidth, latency, reliability, and security, which must be carefully considered to optimize communication performance and ensure mission success.
The survey further discusses the potential of small satellite constellations to enable innovative applications by replacing a single, large spacecraft with multiple smaller, highly capable satellites. This approach not only enhances mission flexibility and redundancy but also opens the door to new applications that were previously unattainable.
The research also highlights specific examples of small satellite missions involving formation flying aspects, demonstrating the practical implementation of inter-satellite communication technologies. These missions showcase the potential of small satellite constellations to achieve complex scientific and operational objectives, paving the way for future advancements in space exploration and utilization.
In conclusion, the survey provides a thorough overview of the current research and development efforts in inter-satellite communication for small satellite systems. By addressing the challenges and proposing solutions at the physical, data link, and network layers of the OSI model, the study offers valuable insights into the design and implementation of robust communication networks for small satellite constellations. This research is poised to significantly influence the development of future small satellite missions, enhancing their capabilities and contributing to the advancement of space technology. Read the original research paper here.