Programa del congreso

The multipactor effect is an RF breakdown discharge that creates an electron avalanche. Multipactor can result in serious consequences in satellites, such as transmission link degradation and even RF component damage. Thus, multipactor prevention is critical and early detection during development testing is necessary. The microwave nulling detection method is widely used to detect multipactor discharges in a test bed, using the forward and reflected power and adjusting their sum to zero. This work presents a variation of this detection method, using probes inserted directly into the device under test to implement the nulling system. This novel method allows to monitor the RF signal directly, using probes located near the critical gap. Results for several tests performed using the traditional nulling method, the new technique using just two probes, as well as mixing both strategies, are shown and discussed.

The integration between 5G networks and low Earth orbit satellites is recognized as a key enabler for achieving global coverage, becoming an inherent component of the forthcoming 6G network. This synergy not only facilitates direct connections between terminals and satellites, extending terrestrial network coverage, but also unveils a myriad of new service opportunities. Against this backdrop, the inherent mobility of satellite platforms poses significant challenges in the management and orchestration of network functions. Developing an accurate 5G-NTN emulation platform, which aids in the development and validation of these necessary functions for the network's proper operation, remains a considerable challenge. Previous attempts to simulate this environment have encountered obstacles, especially in replicating the latency characteristics typical of satellite communications in 5G Standalone (SA) configurations, which is critical for the final phase of 5G deployments, resulting in an imprecise representation of this environment. It is crucial that such a platform effectively reproduces the complexities arising from the interaction between 5G and NTN networks, including the peculiarities of non-terrestrial links and computational limitations on the satellite, in addition to enabling network function orchestration in this environment. Our research addresses this need with an innovative emulation platform designed to simulate the disaggregated network architecture of OpenRAN in an NTN setting. This solution not only precisely replicates the operational characteristics of 5G-NTN configurations but also optimizes the management of VNF lifecycle via Kubernetes, enhancing operational efficiency in mixed network environments. Through this platform, we propose an initial strategy for the optimal distribution of VNFs, laying the groundwork for future exploration aimed at maximizing resource utilization efficiency in these complex settings

Este documento desarrolla el proceso de diseño, implementación y validación de una metodología para la geolocalización de interferencias en satélites LEO (Low Earth Orbit). Este proyecto se ha desarrollado en colaboración entre la empresa Integrasys S.A. y el grupo de investigación GR (Grupo de Radiación) perteneciente a la ETSIT (Escuela Técnica Superior de Ingenieros de Telecomunicación). El objetivo principal es llevar a cabo esta geolocalización de la forma más eficiente posible y con un error máximo de 5 kilómetros. El proyecto se ha desarrollado en 3 fases principales. En primer lugar se ha propuesto la matemática que vamos a implementar, en este caso la técnica de doble TDOA. A continuación se ha diseñado e implementado un simulador en MatLab gracias a Satcom Toolbox para poder validar la matemática generando parámetros ideales. Finalmente, se ha llevado a cabo la visualización y análisis de los resultados obtenidos gracias a estas simulaciones.

Los sistemas de satélites federados surgen como solución para mejorar el rendimiento de los sistemas de observación de la Tierra y de telecomunicaciones en respuesta a la creciente demanda y proliferación de pequeños satélites en órbita. Sin embargo, los equipos de simulación de comunicaciones espaciales son limitados en lo que respecta a la simulación de redes de comunicaciones. Con la creciente demanda de servicios 5G, se necesitan herramientas de simulación de redes que tengan en cuenta tanto las mecánicas orbitales como las características de los satélites. Esta contribución propone la creación de un sistema de simulación utilizando el Simulador de Sistemas Satelitales Distribuidos desarrollado por NanosatLab de la Universidad Politécnica de Cataluña, actualmente mantenido y desarrollado por i2Cat. Este texto demuestra cómo se integran en el simulador la filosofía Hardware in the Loop y los protocolos necesarios para simular Sistemas de Satélites Federados.

The paper examines the utilization of onboard power resources of LEO satellites dedicated to broadband communication missions. It highlights the inefficiency of solely allocating transmit power for communication services, especially in regions with minimal service demand like vast oceanic areas. To address this issue, a realistic model of worldwide broadband demand is presented, considering factors such as population, purchasing capacity, technology, competition, and service availability. The analysis quantifies power usage based on the presented model, revealing opportunities to optimize resource allocation and enhance efficiency in hybrid mega-constellation operations beyond communication services.

Ionospheric scintillation is a major problem in satellite communications, notably in the low part of the radio-frequency spectrum, introducing random intensity and phase fluctuations in the received signal. LEO-PNT (Low Earth Orbit–Position Navigation and Timing) constellations are emerging to improve the performance of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite Systems) constellations. Since the planned frequency bands span from VHF to C-band, some of these bands may be much affected by ionospheric scintillation. To optimize their operation, it is necessary to characterize the temporal behavior of the scintillation as realistically as possible, considering the geometry of the systems, the characteristics of the ionosphere, and the frequency of operation. In this study, Rino’s Physics-based ionospheric scintillation model is applied to obtain intensity and phase time series of perturbed signals transmitted from an arbitrary satellite (VLEO, LEO, MEO or GEO) to an arbitrary object under the ionosphere electron density peak (static ground receivers, planes…).