High resolution techniques for fast acquisition of satellite signals

Abstract

Orbiting satellites and other spatial vehicles have complex trajectories that can usually be precisely approximated with analytical or numerical methods known as propagators. However, some scenarios present great dynamical perturbations regarding positions and velocities, increasing the angular uncertainty window of the received signal's DoA (Direction of Arrival). Some of these scenarios include LEOP (Launch and Early Orbit Phase), orbital maneuvers, on board problems, etc., where TT&C (Telemetry, Tracking & Command) becomes critical. Thus, fast acquisition and appropriate tracking are important processes that must be carefully designed. In this paper it will be shown how a new concept of ground segment station based on distributed arrays of antennae and digital signal processing can improve signal acquisition's convergence speed at low cost, due to the super-resolution capabilities of adaptive DoA estimation algorithms such as MUSIC (MUltiple SIgnal Classification).