Wireless Sensor Motes for Small Satellite Applications

Author

Lappas, Vaios ; Prassinos, G. ; Baker, Anthony ; Magnuss, R.

Author_Institution

Surrey Space Centre, Surrey Univ., Guildford

Volume

48

Issue

5

fYear

2006

Firstpage

175

Lastpage

179

Abstract

Motes are low-cost COTS (commercial off-the-shelf) microchips, which integrate a processor, onboard sensor, RF communications link, and a power unit. High levels of power efficiency can be achieved with the use of the IEEE 802.15.4 protocol for communication between the motes, allowing long-term periods of operation for motes and reducing the power requirements of a spacecraft. The article examines the feasibility of using sensors for harness reduction between satellite subsystems, and for inter-satellite networking capabilities between satellite swarms

Keywords

microprocessor chips; personal area networks; protocols; radio links; satellite communication; space vehicles; wireless sensor networks; COTS microchips; IEEE 802.15.4 protocol; RF communications link; commercial off-the-shelf microchips; harness reduction; inter-satellite networking capabilities; onboard sensor; power unit; satellite swarms; small satellite applications; spacecraft; wireless sensor motes; Aircraft manufacture; Artificial satellites; Communication system security; Costs; Monitoring; Power system interconnection; Space technology; Space vehicles; Testing; Wireless sensor networks; Satellite communication onboard systems; interconnections; satellite communication; satellite vehicle power systems; sensors; wireless LAN;

fLanguage

English

Journal_Title

Antennas and Propagation Magazine, IEEE

Publisher

ieee

ISSN

1045-9243

Type

jour

DOI

10.1109/MAP.2006.277130

Filename

4056344