Transcript In-Orbit Test of A Satellite Communication Payload

In-Orbit Test of A Satellite
Communication Payload
Albert Lin, (310) 416-3648, [email protected]
Shawn Struc, (310) 335-6335, [email protected]
Toni Spiteri, (310) 662-9576, [email protected]
Boeing Space & Intelligence Systems
El Segundo, CA
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Communication Payload In-Orbit (PIOT)
Test Objectives …
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Verify payload and antenna subsystem health post launch
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Tests are conducted in the on-station configuration to ensure
payload hardware has not been degraded by exposure to launch,
transfer orbit, deployments, and on-station environments
Trend PIOT measurements using factory system test as a baseline
in either a pre-coordinated test longitude or spacecraft operational
longitude
Perform on-orbit antenna far-field measurements to validate
coverage performance and alignment, by comparing with factory test
near field or modeled pattern data
Measure and validate phased array calibration baseline (satellitedependent)
Prepare for handover to customer or End-To-End system validation
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Mission Description …
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Payload Initialization
Antenna Phased Array / Beacon Calibration
Antenna Mapping
Repeater and Telemetry and Command Test
Antenna Alignment Adjustment
Handover Configuration
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Payload Architecture Scope
 Analog “Bentpipe” Repeater Payloads
• BSS/FSS repeaters
• Spot beam repeaters
 Digital Communication Payloads
• Geo-mobile satellites
• On-board digital processing and packet switching
• Phased array antenna
 Satellite Telemetry and Command RF subsystem
• Command receivers and telemetry transmitters
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Typical Communication PIOT Setup
Ground Beacon
C-Band Antenna
External
Interfaces
Network
Ku-Band Antenna
Network
Spacecraft
Command and
Telemetry
Antenna
T1-Network
Mission Control
Center
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
PIOT Flow/Life Cycle
Requirement
Flow Down
Select Beams
for Mapping
Antenna
Mapping Test
Procedure
IOT Test Plan
Test
Sequence
Definition
Test Config
Definition
Test
Execution
Payload Test
Procedure
Payload
Tests
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
PIOT Design
Review
Data Analysis
Handover
Test Design
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Payload Configuration
Antenna Mapping
Communication Payload Tests
Array Calibration
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Payload Configuration
 Purpose
• Command payload units on and confirm appropriate telemetry responses
 Approach
• Configure to trend factory data
– Redundant
o Demonstrate health of redundant hardware not used in nominal on-station
configuration
o Redundant testing performed prior to primary testing to minimize power
cycling of units
– Primary
o Demonstrate performance of primary operational hardware prior to handover
– Final Handover
o Final configuration required for transition to next test phase or customer
operation
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Antenna Mapping
 Purpose
• Demonstrate functional integrity
• Beam forming capability (for payload with array antenna)
• Determine antenna subsystem alignments via spacecraft slews and
RF measurements
• Adjust antenna alignment if necessary
 Approach
• Slewing spacecraft
• Measure at different spots on the ground
 Beam Selection
• Broad/Global Beam
– Cut Example
• Spot Beam
– Cut Example
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Typical Communication PIOT Tests
 Purpose
• Demonstrate health of all payload units via RF measurements
 Approach
• Use standard test types as factory to characterize performance for
data trending
– Passband flatness
– Effective Isotopic Radiated power (EIRP)
– Power control
• Build in flexibilities and limitations into test flow
– Account for environment such as weather and unexpected outside factors
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Phased Array Calibration
 Purpose
• Iterative optimization demonstrates calibrated phased array antenna is
within specified performance residual accuracy in phase and
amplitude
 Approach
• Array calibration is performed and demonstrated on the ground during
factory testing, but residual near-field testing errors remain
• Diurnal testing performed during PIOT to confirm antenna
performance stability over a 24-hour period
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
PIOT Preparation
 Site Survey
• Ground Antenna System Interface
– Field of View Blockage
– Frequency allocation/coordination
• Antenna Hub Interface
– RF and mechanical interface
• Installation Considerations
– Building permit for remote installation
– IOT equipment location and cable routing
 Ground Station Characterization
• Instrument calibrations required for absolute power measurements
• Verify ground station has sufficient measurement capability
– Ground station performance on G/T, EIRP, uplink and downlink dynamic range,
passband response
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
PIOT Preparation (cont)
 Test hardware and software
• Equipment can be assembled and verified prior to deploying to PIOT
ground station to reduce test setup issues
 Rehearsal
• Payload commanding scripts and IOT procedures
 Training
 Coordination with other spacecraft subsystems required
 Risk Mitigation Tests
• Subsystem tests
– Stand-alone test equipment
– Network and communication links
• Software simulations
• Ground testing against spacecraft in factory
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
PIOT Logistics
 Logistic Operation /Customer Interactions
• Provide sufficient workspace
– PIOT team requires adequate location for test measurements and analysis
– Presentation space required for customer data reviews
 Team Communication Plan
• Schedule Flexibility
– Dynamic schedule changes to accommodate customer needs and other
mission subsystems as well as unexpected events such as weather
– Alternative tests can be identified as a backup plan
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.
Conclusion …
 Payload IOT process has been proven over 17 years
 Continue to improve and evolve for more complex payloads and
to maintain high performance standard
Preparation and rehearsal are the keys to success!
BOEING is a trademark of Boeing Management Company.
Copyright © 2011 Boeing. All rights reserved.