GENERAL
The course introduces satellite payloads for telecommunications and navigation, together with their operating principles. For each of the two payloads: (i) the applications are studied, as well as their performance requirements; (ii) its complete reference space system is analyzed, with its typical space mission; (iii) the main design parameters are identified that have impact on the performance; (iv) the performances are studied as functions of the design parameters and; (v) the platform requirements are analyzed to ensure the correct operation.
As regards telecommunications payloads, satellite broadcast is considered, together with point-to-point data connection, satellite personal communication system, ground transfer of Earth observation data and telemetry. The modulation and coding techniques are studied in depth, together with the antenna systems and their impact on the platform and set-up, and the electrical power sizing.
As regards navigation payloads, global satellite navigation systems (GNSS) are considered, together with terrestrial and satellite augmentation systems to increase their performance. The used waveforms are studied in depth, together with the signal acquisition and position estimation techniques, the main sources of error and performance, the antenna systems and the electrical power sizing.
SPECIFIC
Knowledge and understanding: At the end, the student has acquired a basic knowledge on the two types of payload considered, on their main design parameters, and on the space systems and missions that are based on them.
Applying knowledge and understanding: at the end of the course the student has acquired the ability to evaluate critically both the payload selection, based on the selection of its main parameters according to operational requirements (from the user requirements), and its integration with the platform.
Making judgements: at the end of the course the student has developed the autonomy of judgment necessary to integrate knowledge on the different types of payloads, to manage the complexity of the technologies used in the various space missions, and to evaluate their performance in the various application contexts.
Communication skills: at the end of the course the student is able to operate in a highly multi-disciplinary context communicating and interacting with information technology design engineers for space, with specialist technicians and non-specialist interlocutors.
Learning skills: at the end of the course the student is able to autonomously investigate the new technologies used in the future evolutions of satellite systems.
