Aspects regarding the characterization of in-orbit satellites using radio observations

Abstract

This paper focuses on characterizing the behavior of in-orbit small satellites using ground-based radio observations. The monitoring focused on low-Earth orbit (LEO) university Cubesats which operate in the UHF amateur radio band. The orbital behavior may be estimated by characterizing and analyzing the received signal transmitted by the satellite during multiple passes. The correlated data obtained from several ground observations of a selected Cubesat indicate that periodic deep fluctuations in the received signal are caused most likely by the tumbling of the satellite.