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Short Messaging Service Study

Future Preparation Next generation of systems
STATUS | Ongoing
STATUS DATE | 10/08/2007
ACTIVITY CODE |

PAGE CONTENTS

Objectives

To conduct a study into the feasibility and viability of including a Short Messaging Service (SMS) within Galileo. The service could support a number of functions including both civil and commercial applications, resulting in savings to civil agencies, enhanced safety of life features and revenue generation for commercial entities.

The use of the SMS to validate and accurately locate Search and Rescue (S&R) signals prior to the dispatch of resources would enhance the accurate and rapid location of distress signals. This provides enhanced safety of life capability and significant cost savings to regional Search and Rescue agencies across multiple jurisdictions due to reduced false alarm levels. The potential for new revenue generating applications is also significant based on the growing number of successful SMS applications that continue to emerge in terrestrial wireless networks. Suitably structured, an SMS capability could enhance or enable new revenue generating services for Galileo.

The study explores the technical, civil and commercial aspects of including SMS within the Galileo services.

Challenges

The key issues in the study revolve mainly around the interoperability of the envisaged SMS service and the baselined Search and Rescue (S&R) service onboard Galileo. A standalone SMS payload must be form and fit compatible with the S&R payload to minimize impacts to the spacecraft design. Alternatively, a combined SMS/S&R payload must still meet the mass, volume and power resources set aside for the standalone S&R payload. In either case, the use of the existing S&R antenna for either a dual-mode payload or a standalone SMS payload must be investigated to minimize any impacts to the spacecraft design.

Plan

The study incorporates all aspects of a possible SMS service. Market demand for SMS service will be investigated and service scenarios including billing structures will be suggested. An assessment of any relevant regulatory issues especially concerning available spectrum will be performed. The baseline technical design of the SMS service will be formulated including such aspects as mission architecture, payload architecture, air interface, network and terminal requirements. In addition, a program plan including schedule, budget and work breakdown will be developed for a phase A study.

Current Status

Potential Applications:


  • Current global demand focused on Safety, Security and Surveillance

  • (particularly maritime) aligns with Galileo SMS – Galileo SMS provides an enhancement of Safety of Life and SAR

  • Potential to support a wider range of applications in the mobile market
Mission Design Summary:

  • Low data rate bursts (1 kbit/s)

  • L band uplink (2 MHz total bandwidth) and UHF band downlink (1.1 MHz total bandwidth) for the user link

  • C band feeder link is assumed for the Gateway link

  • Initial deployment should be 3 satellites per plane with the SMS payload

  • SMS gateway are assumed to be co-located with the SAR MEOLUTs with a 3.8 m antenna
Payload Design Summary:

  • A dual mode analog SMS/SAR transponder is feasible within the power and mass envelope available on the satellite (100 W and 15 kg)

  • In orbit switching of the payload between SMS and SAR mode possible

  • A separate antenna is necessary for the C band gateway link

  • A common SMS/SAR antenna is selected for the user link
Terminals:

  • Must be Galileo NAV RX enabled

  • Single carrier SMS signal

  • Operating in half-duplex
Conclusions:

  • SMS implementation within Galileo spacecraft is technically feasible

  • Development of space and ground SMS hardware is compatible with Galileo FOC schedule