I wanted to take a moment of your time to share a project proposal I am working on, called amsatLink – an open source nanosatellite constellation that enables cross-link communication and multipoint scientific measurements 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 individual nanosatellite node footprint can easily join and depart the network. 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 scientific data set for scientific and educational analysis. While the idea of cross-link communication between satellites is not new, amsatLink hopes to continue the progression of NASA’s PhoneSat, EDSN constellation, and NODES missions. amsatLink differentiates itself by (1) expanding the network to include ground-based nodes, (2) demonstrating the use of voice over internet protocol communications, and (3) organizing nodes into clusters, where each cluster consists of one nanosatellite node and all visible ground nodes. Phase 1 will focus on designing and building working prototypes of both nanosatellite and ground nodes as a proof of concept and system integration. Testing will include a terrestrial-based simulation and a high-altitude (60,000 – 105,000 feet ASL) simulation as a payload aboard high-altitude HAB launch. In Phase 2, we will 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 ISS-launched orbits being only 400km-415km, we expect a short mission lifetime of only one to two weeks. Phase 3 will begin with the 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. In addition, amsatLink will continue NASA’s design philosophy by strictly utilizing commercial-off-the-shelf hardware and keeping the design and mission objectives as simple as possible. Estimated total hardware cost per satellite is $5,000. Proposed ground stations will also use commercial off the shelf equipment with a total estimated cost of less than $150. The amsatLink program is just getting started. You can follow along by visiting the GitHub page https://ke4al.github.io/amsatLink/ and GitHub repository https://github.com/KE4AL/amsatLink.%C2%A0 In addition, I have set up a Twitter account (https://twitter.com/Amsat_Link) to share day-to-day efforts. 73,
Robert Bankston, KE4AL ke4al.github.io/amsatLink/ twitter.com/Amsat_Link