Duration: 8 months
CubeSats, small standardized satellites with dimensions of 10x10x10 cm, have revolutionized space exploration by providing a cost-effective platform for various scientific and commercial missions. Their compact size, low weight, and modular design make them versatile tools for a wide range of applications, including Earth observation, telecommunications, scientific research, and educational purposes. As a result, the CubeSat market has been experiencing significant growth, with increasing interest from both governmental and private sectors in leveraging their capabilities for various missions. Despite their numerous advantages, CubeSats face several challenges and limitations, particularly in communication capabilities. One significant challenge is the need for low-power communication circuits due to the limited power supply available onboard CubeSats. Additionally, the proximity of CubeSats to Earth results in a relatively small communication coverage area, which poses limitations for data transmission and reception. To address the coverage area challenge effectively, Beam Steering technologies offer promising solutions. These technologies enable CubeSats to dynamically adjust the directionality of their communication beams, optimizing signal transmission and reception. Three primary beam steering technologies include Analog beam steering, Digital beam steering, and Hybrid beam steering. In this project, our primary objective is to enhance the communication circuitry of CubeSats by leveraging advanced Beam Steering technologies. Considering the size constraints and power limitations inherent to CubeSats, we aim to identify and implement the most relevant beam steering technologies for different application areas of CubeSats. By enhancing communication capabilities, we aim to enable CubeSats to achieve improved data transmission rates, extended communication range, and enhanced reliability, thereby unlocking new possibilities and initiatives in space.
