Challenges and Solutions for the Satellite Tracking, Telemetry, and Command System

摘要

The satellite tracking, telemetry, and command system, or TT&C, is utilized to transmit the telemetry and telecommand data, as well as to determine the satellite orbit. It is the lifeline of a satellite, and thus its safety and reliability are of fundamental importance to the satellite. After years of development, the traditional satellite TT&C technologies are relatively mature, while there are still many open problems to be solved for long distance deep space explorers and satellite mega-constellation. In this article, we start with a brief review regarding the evolution of the TT&C system applied in space missions. Then we raise the challenges and potential solutions for the TT&C system in solar system explorations and suggest a new networked TT&C system that is suitable for large-scale satellite constellation management tasks. In the end, some potential TT&C technologies are indicated considering the future technology. In general, the goal of this article is to provide an overview to understand the motivation, challenges, methodology, and solutions of the satellite TT&C system.