Students:
- Klevore Burden
- David Calzavara,
- Daniel Fisher
- Katalin Frolio
- Kristy Winchock
Advisors: A. Katz, Y. Wang
The goal of this project is to design, implement and test a compact, on the move, SATCOM terminal for the military Ka-band. After evaluating last year’s SATCOM on the Move project, we are redesigning the previous satellite system with the final goal of having a superior, functioning design that meets specifications. The improved feed design simulates and measures the performance of the dual conical feed horn for the offset reflector antenna operating at receive band 20 GHz and transmit band 30 GHz, which provides the transmission in Right Hand Circular Polarization (RHCP) and reception in Left Hand Circular Polarization (LHCP) and meets the side lobes and optimal gain requirements of the antenna pattern. Due to shortcomings in the previous year’s purely mechanical stabilization system, we have opted for an electromechanical system featuring two sets of motor-pulley systems which will offer a lower profile and faster reaction to changes in pitch and roll. We will be designing and implementing a computer
system to help stabilize the satellite that will be comprised of a microcontroller, viable sensors, and a power source. The code and hardware will focus on tracking our target satellite, while simultaneously operating the motors to keep the entire system as level with flat ground as possible. To improve the overall quality of the antenna reflector, we are aiming to improve the gain of the system by increasing the height of the reflector, along with choosing a higher quality reflective material that will be free of imperfections, as was the case of last year’s final product. The ultimate goal is to allow continuous two-way communication at Ka-band while the vehicle is in motion over rough terrains.