Navigation techniques enhancing inter-satellite communication for Earth Observation Missions

Abstract

Optical technology and navigation techniques can successfully enhance space communication segment. The wide bandwidth offered by optics and advanced multiplation techniques, may increase the available capacity of the space communication channel. Pointing and tracking are critical procedures to keep the link established when the spot size has a reduced area as in case of optical wavelength. The enhancement brought by navigation techniques relies on higher accuracy on positioning of spacecraft, in particular when it comes to Geostationary satellites positioning for whom high precision in positioning maybe a constraint, given the huge distances. Thus, navigation techniques can make the pointing procedure faster and enlarge the effective operative window. A critical scenario where this interoperability becomes fundamental is based on a cluster of formation flying satellites for Earth Observation Missions. Real time connectivity may be provided by inter-satellite links. Aim of this paper is to point out the key features of the proposed scenario, where the interoperability between communications and navigation techniques provides a solution to enhance Earth Observation Missions.