Store-and-forward message switching using polar-orbiting microsatellites

Author

Ward, Jeffrey W.

Author_Institution

Surrey Univ., Guildford, UK

fYear

1991

fDate

33553

Firstpage

42614

Lastpage

42617

Abstract

The University of Surrey have demonstrated that microsatellites can implement store and forward message switching networks involving hundreds of small ground terminals. These satellites, called PACSATS (packet satellite), use packet radio techniques and advanced onboard computers. The new UoSAT onboard computer uses a real-time, multitasking operation developed by Quadron Services Inc. Programmers write the satellite software in the `C´ language, and use standard development, simulation and debugging tools running on MS-DOC PCs. Programs are tested using a spacecraft emulator based on a standard IBM 80186 coprocessor card installed in the developer´s PC. This environment has permitted the relatively rapid development of sophisticated store-and-forward communications protocols for the satellite onboard computer

Keywords

message switching; packet switching; protocols; satellite relay systems; telecommunications computing; C language; IBM 80186 coprocessor card; MS-DOS PC; PACSATS; Quadron Services Inc; University of Surrey; UoSAT; communications protocols; debugging tools; development tools; ground terminals; multitasking; onboard computers; packet radio; packet satellite; polar orbiting microsatellites; real time operation; satellite software; simulation tools; spacecraft emulator; store and forward message switching;

fLanguage

English

Publisher

iet

Conference_Titel

Message Handling - Past, Present and Future, IEE Colloquium on

Conference_Location

London

Type

conf

Filename

182163