Identification, Location, and Reception of Low Earth Orbit Satellites (LEO) Signals

Abstract

This paper presents the conceptual design of ground stations used for monitoring low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, as well as a proposal for a preliminary proof of concept setup, which can be implemented before trying to build a completely functional station. As a result, the setup allowed to locate and monitor signals from known satellites using available and inexpensive, "off the shelve", commercial components. The encouraging results that were obtained are also described along the paper. The setup design that is presented can be easily replicated as an initial step, and then, scaled into an automated terrestrial station, with a more complex and precise communications system.