The use of Iridium's satellite network for nanosatellite communications in Low Earth Orbit

Abstract

Nanosatellite communication in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is limited by line of sight twice a day transmissions that last a total average of 15 minutes. Using Iridium's satellite network as a gateway, satellites in LEO may achieve near continuous communications with earth. This paper discusses the use of the Iridium network for nanosatellite satellite communications by NASA's Florida Space Grant Consortium funded researchers at Florida International University (FIU). Specifically, the paper focuses on FIU's Florida University SATellite (FUNSAT) IV competition award winning payload submission, named PicoPanther, orbiting in a sun synchronous polar orbit. An introduction to the network and hardware is presented as well as simulation results. An analysis of cost, Doppler Effect shifts and possible uses are also performed.