CubeSat GNSS-R receiver design: Filtering, synchronisation and antenna design : GLITTER project

Details

Supervisors

Craeye, Christophe

Faculty

Ecole polytechnique de Louvain

Degree label

Master [120] : ingénieur civil électricien, à finalité spécialisée

Abstract

enThis thesis explores CubeSat satellites as an innovative solution to achieve an antenna array for satellite-based Earth observation, using GNSS reflectometry technology. The study identifies a suitable circuit for amplifying and filtering the incoming Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals to the CubeSat using PCB technology. Three validations steps were performed: simulation linking equations to theoretical behaviour, fabrication with respect to PCB standards and testing in multiple phases. Testing was first carried out using a home-made Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal simulated with only one incoming signal, to ensure the operation of the whole chain. Capturing a real direct signal was the next step with one CubeSat, and the following stage involved receiving the reflected signal in addition to the direct one. Then, the last part was to challenge the model with the synchronization between two CubeSats. These synchronization challenges are caused by the inability to transmit the local oscillator through a cable and the analysed solution is to use the incoming Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal with u-blox module as a frequency reference. In a parallel part, patch antenna design for the direct and reflected signal was investigated using mathematical design, simulation with CST and ADS software and measurement.