ESA project NGSO-Sense: Prototype for Measuring NGSO Satellite Network Interference and Radiofrequency Characteristics

Project Description:

Due to high number of NGSO networks being planned, designed, built and/or launched, there is a growing concern among GSO satellite operators of potential interference issues. In this context, ESA NGSO-Sense project covers the below two needs:

1)    Specialized procedures and ground equipment is required to help identify and quantify sources of NGSO interference into the GSO network.

2)    Operators of NGSO satellite networks and administrations may wish to measure certain NGSO satellite RF characteristics.

The objective of the NGSO-Sense project is to develop a ground terminal prototype, as well as the measurement procedure, for identifying interference and measuring Radio Frequency (RF) characteristics from a NGSO satellite network.

The NGSO-Sense prototype is a ground receiver that will be able to detect and identify transmissions of NGSO systems, and further obtain information about its RF characteristics. The NGSO-Sense prototype can be used by radio regulators and GSO/NGSO operators to verify if an interference event is happening and who it is causing it. Essentially, the prototype shall be able to identify and quantify sources of NGSO interference. On the other hand, operators of NGSO satellite networks and administrations may wish to use it to measure certain NGSO satellite RF characteristics.

 

Figure 1. NGSO-Sense Receiver

 

Funding: This project is funded by the European Space Agency (ESA)

Industrial Partner: SES Spectrum Department, Luxembourg

Project Starting Date: December 2022

Project Duration: 24 Months

Research Team:

• Dr Eva Lagunas (SnT) – PI
• Dr. Jorge Querol (SnT) - Lab Coordinator
• Dr. Flor G. Ortiz (SnT)
• Dr. Marecele Oliveira Kuhfuss (SnT)
• Prof. Dr. Symeon Chatzinotas (SnT)

 

Contact: eva.lagunas@uni.lu