Description
The objective of this activity is to investigate and develop a low-cost on-board interference localisation system.
Targeted Improvements:
Strategic technology to enable low-cost interference geo-location using a single satellite.
Description:
In-band radio frequency interference is an increasing threat for commercial telecommunication satellite systems. The system design typically accounts both for intra-system interference (e.g. beam isolation, power control, terminal monitoring) as well as for inter-system interference (i.e. by frequency co-ordination). Nevertheless non-nominal interference conditions are often experienced and are difficult to overcome. The nature of the interference can be manifold but can also include intentional improper use of satellite transponder resources. The increase of the population of transmitting earth stations of different systems is further increasing the incidence of accidental interference. In bent-pipe transponders the presence of interference always causes at least a power robbing effect and may ultimately result in rendering the transponder or some or all of the legitimate carriers unusable. All of which implies a reduction in the value of the transponder. Existing interference localisation techniques are typically based on the use two or more satellites with similar up-link channels and overlapping coverage areas, conditions that often cannot be satisfied.
Within this activity, it is proposed to investigate and develop a low-cost on-board interference localisation system allowing an interfering source to be located using a single satellite with an accuracy commensurate with that of established solutions.
Building upon the outcome of ARTES 1 activity 1A.055 “Low cost anti-interference techniques for satcom commercial satellites”, as well as on ARTES 1 activity 1A.098 ”On-board emitter location system for geostationary telecom satellites”, particular emphasis should be placed on simple, low-cost solutions with minimal impact on the main telecommunications
mission of the host satellite.
In particular, the activity shall cover:
- Mission, satellite system and interference scenarios and requirements definition (including CONOPS, ground/space interfaces, interferer and victim carrier characteristics, reference and interfering link budgets, definition of metrics for assessing the benefits of the geo-location function, etc.);
- Assessment of different space/ground architectures and processing techniques for interferer signal geo-localisation;
- Selection and detailed design of the preferred solution.
- Breadboarding and testing of the preferred solution.
- Technology roadmap definition.
While the primary focus for the activity shall be the FSS/BSS spectrum, other frequency bands may be proposed.
Tender Specifics