-
StatusCompleted
-
Status date2022-03-30
-
Activity Code3A.103P1
The objective of the activity is to design, develop, and demonstrate a GEO satellite communication system that integrates an intermediate layer of HAPS to provide command and control links, broadband payload data communications and inter-vehicle links to swarms of unmanned vehicles. The project aims at providing Broadband Satellite Service via HAPS (BSSH), as communication services to RPAS verticals over satellites utilizing HAPS as a permanent relay, particularly for those areas with limited radio coverage or bandwidth. While several satellite solutions exist for provision of communication services to aircraft, most RPAS cannot use these solutions because of their size, weight and power constraints. Only a minority of larger RPAS can embark satellite terminals in Ku or Ka band.
To that end, the project firstly captures the technical requirements of a joint RPAS and HAPS communication system over GEO satellites based on the high-level user requirements and environmental system characteristics Secondly, the project will design an end-to-end broadband satellite communication system that meets those requirements. Finally, the project implements the communication system as a demonstrator for validation and verification of the system technical requirements. The targeted improvement is enabling communication between GEO satellites and RPAS using HAPS as a relay.
The design of the RF components of the payload onboard HAPS is a major challenge of the activity. The BSSH system encompasses a dedicated airborne RF subsystem that is integrated into and powered by the HAPS platform. The HAPS RF subsystem is transparent with respect to utilized communication standards. The HAPS subsystem includes bandpass filter, low noise amplifier, diplexer , frequency converter, and the high power amplifier. A further challenge is the proper design of a synchronised demonstrator on Matlab/Simulink and development of the channel access to accommodate payload and C2 communication for a certain number of RPAS.
The UAV verticals including drone operators and UAV air traffic management service providers are considered as main target users.
Drone operators need preferably an on-line processing and analysis of a huge amount of survey data (e.g., video and sensor data) captured by the drones. By on-line data processing, in case the collected data is not conclusive enough, the operators have the opportunity to retry the session at once and on the spot minimizing the risk for a costly reuptake of the mission on-site if an off-line analysis reveals that the collected data is incomprehensive.
The BSSH aims at providing the following Key Performance Indicators (PKI) to the UAV verticals:
-
High throughput
-
Low delay
-
Low power consumption
-
Service provision to many UAVs in swarm
-
Networking via IP Mobility
The intended BSSH system coverage area is all member states of the European Civil Aviation Conference (ECAC). The figure shows exemplary how a cluster of 6 HAPS can provide coverage over UK and Ireland.
Geographical Coverage: The satellite as core anchor of the Broadband Satellite Services via HAPS (BSSH) provides the much needed full geographical coverage to UAV verticals by utilization of HAPS as relay particularly necessary in areas with limited terrestrial radio coverage. The HAPS overcomes the last miles down to the small drones featuring limited energy and size with no satellite terminals in Ku or Ka band. The satellite can additionally provide connectivity for command and control data in case of Beyond-Radio-Line-of-Sight operational scenarios.
Broadband Communications: For the provision of user traffic such as video or earth observation data the RPAS rely on high throughput links. The broadband satellite communications offer low in price bandwidth compared with the existing and future terrestrial links such as in high price 5G technology.
The Broadband Satellite Service via HAPS (BSSH) provides the UAV verticals with a broadband communication services enabling the exchange of control and user data particularly for applications that require low delay, high reliability, and high throughput, such as applications in UAV air traffic management, earth observation, and public safety. The figure below shows the BSSH system overview.
Upon target use cases, the activity firstly captures the technical requirements of a joint RPAS-HAPS communications system over GSO satellites derived from the high-level user requirements and environmental system characteristics. Upon the specification of technical requirements, the project designs the end to end broadband satellite communications system that meets those requirements. Finally, the project implements the communications system as a demonstrator for validation and verification of the technical requirements.
Project has been completed from feasibility study and design to Demo.
