DAC0 Satellite

Perform self training in small satellites and satellite communications and investigations on a precise positioning system for space.

The purpose of the mission is to perform self training in the development of small satellites and satellite communications for the people involved in the mission and to perform technical investigations relating to systems that can be applied to radio communication systems. The mission aims to perform technical investigations on a precise positioning system for space applications.

The proposed system uses GNSS signals and an artificial neural network in order to improve precise position determination for satellites. In order to validate the measurements, the spacecraft is also equipped with corner cube retroreflectors. Corrections to the GNSS positioning will be provided by the ANN.

The mission aims to test if it is feasible to use GNSS receivers designed for ground applications in a space environment. GNSS receivers have been present in space missions for some time now. However, their performance is limited and the costs are prohibitive, especially for low cost applications. Ground based receivers are superior in terms of performance. They are often ahead of the official schedule of GNSS constellations and for a more accessible price. If the mission shows that ground based GNSS receivers can be used in space applications, it can have multiple applications for spacecraft, including communication satellites.

The mission flies sensors to study spacecraft performance and to measure the orbital environment (GNSS receivers). Also it aims to test the performance of computer programs in space (OBC, Gaisler, ANN).

The payload software uses artificial neural networks to augment GNSS orbital measurements. The measured data will be made available to radio amateurs via satellite downlink. Using this data, amateurs can perform their own studies regarding the performance of orbital positioning systems and compare the measurements from the on-board positioning system with laser ranging.

The results and conclusion from this mission can benefit all space missions in the future, including space communication missions. Therefore, we consider this mission to qualify as an amateur satellite mission as it is in the personal aim of the operator and the organization, without any pecuniary interest and the entire amateur radio community can benefit from it by receiving the mission measurements and also, if the mission succeeds, they can benefit from better satellite hardware in the future. Other amateurs will also be able to ping the satellite and receive a reply from it in order to check if the satellite is in view.