Exploring high-level topology frameworks for nano-satellites

Abstract

Nanosatellite networks have become a major research topic over the last few years. With their small size and relatively cheap cost, launching many of these nanosatellites at once is becoming more and more common. With the advent of P2P capabilities in nanosatellites, the question of node positions becomes a major topic. This thesis focuses on a proposed swarm of nanosatellites with P2P capabilities forming a partially connected mesh topology. Attention was given to the physical laws of orbital mechanics, making it possible to obtain numerical solutions to node location. Advantage was taken of orbital data to predict the positions of nanosatellites relative to one another in order to determine future dates of intersection. The virtual nodes were equipped with proven P2P technology. The reach capabilities were then hypothetically extended for future consideration in technological development. Analysis was performed on the frequency of intersection times based on various link budget specifications. Simulation results are used to draw conclusions on the parameters affecting connectivity within different swarm sizes and antenna ranges. The work presented here contributes toward P2P nanosatellite swarm research and can help to determine the feasibility and planning of running future space networks using nanosatellite swarms.