Operation system for micro and nano satellites by low-cost ground station network

The activities of micro- and nano-satellite development are still being expanded in the world. The ground operation technologies using network multiple stations will be more important to enhance a satellite performance in maximum. In this paper, the compatibility requirements and solutions in constructing a ground station network are described from the experience and knowledge accumulated in real satellite operations. Firstly, the outline of micro/nano satellites developed by the collaboration with Tohoku University and the actual collaborative operations are shown. Then, in the analysis of compatibility requirements, the radio frequency specification limited by antenna type and band pass filters is defined as the most important part. This is now a biggest obstruction in extending the ground station network, and this should be solved in each station to create wide range collaborations. Solutions for other functions such as modulation/demodulation types and encode/decode types are also described.