The process of satellite measurement and control

Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TTC) refers to the process of communicating with satellites through ground stations to monitor, control, and manage satellite status and tasks. The measurement and control process is a crucial part of satellite operation, ensuring that the satellite operates normally in orbit and completes predetermined tasks. The following is the main process of satellite measurement and control:

Task planning and preparation

Task planning:

Define satellite mission objectives and requirements.

Design a measurement and control plan, including the location, frequency, and time window of the measurement and control station.

Preparation of measurement and control equipment:

Prepare and calibrate measurement and control equipment, including ground station antennas, transmitters, receivers, data processing systems, etc.

Ensure smooth communication links between the measurement and control station and the satellite.

Satellite launch inspection:

Conduct comprehensive testing on the satellite to ensure that all systems are working properly.

Test the communication link between the ground station and the satellite to ensure normal reception and transmission of signals after launch.

Launch and initial orbital deployment

Launch phase:

Monitor the satellite launch process and track the launch status in real-time through telemetry data.

Confirm that the satellite enters the designated orbit and ensure initial communication with the ground station is established.

Initial orbit deployment:

Collect initial satellite orbit data for orbit determination and correction.

Conduct preliminary status checks through the measurement and control system to ensure that all satellite systems are working properly.

In orbit operation measurement and control

Telemetry:

Real time monitoring of satellite status, obtaining satellite health status information through telemetry data.

Telemetry data includes power status, attitude control, temperature, pressure, communication status, etc.

Tracking:

Use antennas and radar equipment from ground measurement and control stations to track satellite positions and orbits.

Regularly determine and predict the orbit to ensure that the satellite remains in its intended orbit.

Command:

Send control commands to the satellite to perform operations such as orbit adjustment, attitude control, and task scheduling.

Adjust the satellite working mode and configuration according to task requirements and satellite status.

Data processing and analysis

Data reception and storage:

The ground station receives telemetry data and mission data sent by satellites and stores them in the data center.

Data processing and analysis:

Process and analyze the received data to identify satellite status and performance.

Analyze telemetry data, detect potential faults or abnormal situations, and take preventive measures.

Task management and optimization

Task scheduling:

According to the task plan and satellite status, schedule satellites to perform different tasks.

Optimize task sequence and resource allocation to improve task efficiency and effectiveness.

Exception handling:

When a satellite malfunction or abnormal situation is discovered, quickly analyze the cause and take corrective measures.

Perform satellite reset, system restart, or fault isolation operations as needed.

Retirement and disposal

Retirement plan:

When the satellite completes its scheduled mission or reaches the end of its lifespan, develop a retirement plan.

Ensure that the satellite retirement process complies with international space waste management regulations.

Retirement Execution:

Execute retirement procedures to transfer satellites to cemetery orbit or perform atmospheric burning operations.

Turn off the satellite system and terminate measurement and control communication.

Composition of measurement and control system

Ground measurement and control station:

Equipped with high-power transmitters, high gain antennas, receiving equipment, and data processing systems.

Responsible for communicating with satellites, sending control commands, and receiving telemetry data.

Communication link:

Including uplink (ground to satellite) and downlink (satellite to ground).

Using microwave, laser and other technologies to ensure high-speed and reliable data transmission.

Data processing center:

Receive, process, and store satellite telemetry data and mission data.

Provide data analysis tools and platforms to support task management and decision-making.

Command and Control Center:

Responsible for monitoring and commanding the entire measurement and control process.

By issuing control commands through the command system, coordinate ground station and satellite missions.

To sum up,Satellite measurement and control is a crucial process to ensure the normal operation and completion of tasks of satellites in orbit. Through precise measurement and control processes and advanced measurement and control technologies, ground stations can monitor satellite status in real-time, adjust orbit and attitude, manage task scheduling, and take timely measures when anomalies are detected to ensure satellite safety and mission success.