Highly reliable UWB-OFDM transmission within a small spacecraft

This paper describes measurements and characterization of ultra-wideband (UWB) radio propagation within a small scientific satellite and simulation of transmission performance based on the propagation measurements. The aim of this paper is to replace (at least partly) wired on-board data buses with wireless links. Adoption of wireless technologies within spacecrafts could contribute to: i) reduction of cable weight and resulting launching cost, ii) reduction in the cost of manufacture and testing, iii) ensuring reliable robust communication due to the effects of route diversity, iv) more flexibility in layout of subsystems, and v) more reliable connection at rotary, moving, and sliding joints.