The potential for using LEO telecommunications constellations to support nanosatellite formation flying

摘要

This is an investigation to determine if a low-Earth telecommunications constellation can be used to support data services for small satellites also in Low-Earth Orbit. The intent is to use the telecommunications service provider satellites to supply low-rate command and telemetry services as well as inter-satellite data communications. In this study, we determine access potential via simulations of the orbital contact time using current telecommunications constellation configurations and the assumed configuration for a nanosatellite user. From the access times, we conclude that there are sufficient numbers of contacts to permit command and telemetry services for the nanosatellite constellation.