Overview

During the mission flight the nearspacecraft will be in constant communication with ground equipment. The nearspacecraft will transmit navigation, system and payload telemetry and the ground equipment will be control and monitor the nearspacecrafts status.

Radio communication

The Arctic Nearspace Project will use RF data communication (radiomodems) to create a long rang point-to-point communication channel between the ground equipment and the nearspacecraft. While the radiomodem transfer speed is relatively slow when compared to most modern computer networks, it provides a reliable error correcting way of data transmission.

We have chosen to use commercially available FHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum) radiomodems operating on licence-free 2.4Ghz band combined with directional high gain antennas to enhance link reliability.

Backup and ground communication

The nearspacecraft will also include backup communication channel utilizing 2G/3G mobile networks. This method of communication will be used only as a backup on allowed near-ground altitudes.