Description
Objective: To enable two-way VHF data exchange according to the emerging VDE standard using LEO Satellites.
Targeted Improvements: The outcome of this activity will be an engineering model of a VDE-SAT transceiver, implementing full VDE-SAT (uplink and downlink protocols) as well as spectrum monitoring in realtimethat would be essential for traffic load control in VDE system.
Description: The proposed activity is aimed to design, develop and validate an engineer model of space-based VDE- transceiver suitable for small satellites. In particular, the uplink reception of the VDE signal via satellite would require particular attention to accommodate different service types already envisaged in VDE-Sat uplink standard, such as random access as well as dedicated access withhighly spectral efficient waveform. At the same time, the on-board receiver shall be able to detect and decode the uplink signal inthe presence of interference caused by VDEterrestriallinks, other satellite uplink signals as well as external interferences from sources other than VDE. Considering potential mission concepts based on LEO satellites, the aim is to devise an efficient access scheme that allows for efficient use of the satellite link coexisting with all terrestrial services such as AIS and terrestrial VHF data exchange systems. novel ideas for full-duplex communications for VDE Up/Downlink will also be explored.
The work would start with consolidating the physical layer and access control protocols to be implemented as part of the space-based VDE transceiver. The interaction between the uplinkand downlink shall be defined and the required on-board resources to perform scheduling and data processing shall be evaluated and accounted for.
An engineering model of the on-board VDE transceiver shall be developed along with the required test platform to verify the functionality and performance of the unit. For the uplink it is important that there is a system toemulate loadedconditions in a realistic way. A thorough simulation campaign shall be carried out to establish a quantitative assessment of the overall proposed solution under a realistic channel models. As part of the quantitative assessment, verification of system critical functions should be tested on actual hardware preferably on an endto-end system including ground components.
This is a former Priority2 activity.
Priority 2 activities will only be initiated on the explicit request of at least one delegation. A request for initiation has been received.Procurement Policy: C(2) = A relevant participation (in terms of quality and quantity) of non-primes (incl. SMEs) is required. For additional information please go to EMITS news "Industrial Policy measures for non-primes, SMEs and RD entities in ESA programmes".
Tender Specifics