Design, implementation and deployment of testbed for LoRa communication architecture on nanosatellite constellations

Abstract

Long distance RF communication in excess of 20km can be challenging for ground-based systems due to limits of Line-of-Sight (LoS). This can potentially be mitigated using satellite based, Long Range (LoRa) networks. With Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN) finding more popular use paired with the broadening efficacy and connectivity of Internet of Things (IoT), the technology is creating opportunities for use in a wider array of applications. The Africa Space Innovation Centre (ASIC) Labs, specializing in Maritime Domain Awareness (MDA) telemetry from proprietary nanosatellites, sought to determine the feasibility of a LoRa telecommunication-based nanosatellite constellation. The telecommunication would be established using proprietary commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware and Software Defined Radio (SDR) architecture, paired with a terrestrial ground station. The measurement of feasibility is determined through simulation results of a technology demonstrator or testbed platform. The results are studied in the form of performance measurements, that correlate to reliability of the established connection of the LoRa network infrastructure and the Quality of Service (QoS) of the satellite telemetry. With results proving favourable, within the constraints of technology and architecture employed by ASIC, the possible use cases for the platform relative to State of The Art (SoTA) are to be determined. Viable prototype(s) could be further tested, extending the available intellectual property and market access of ASIC Labs.