Article: Net, MS; del Portillo, I; Cameron, B; Crawley, EF; Selva, D; (2015) “Integrated Tradespace Analysis of Space Network Architectures”, Journal of Aerospace Information Systems, 12(8):564-578
Abstract: Methods to design space communication networks at the link level are well understood and abound in the literature. Nevertheless, models that analyze the performance and cost of the entire network are scarce, and they typically rely on computationally expensive simulations that can only be applied to specific network designs. This paper presents an architectural model to quantitatively optimize space communication networks given future customer demands, communication technology, and contract modalities to deploy the network. The model is implemented and validated against NASA’s Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System. It is then used to evaluate new architectures for the fourth-generation Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System given the capabilities of new optical and Ka-band technologies, as well as the possibility to deploy network assets as hosted payloads. Results indicate that optical technology can provide a significant improvement in the network capabilities and lifecycle cost, especially when placing these terminals on board commercial satellites as hosted payloads. The cost savings and benefit improvements of such an architecture are discussed and quantified.
Funding Acknowledgement: NASA [6929366]; Centre de Formacio Interdisciplinaria Superior; Cellex Foundation; Banco Santander
Funding Text: This project is funded by NASA under grant 6929366. The authors would also like to thank the Centre de Formacio Interdisciplinaria Superior, the Cellex Foundation, and Banco Santander for partially funding this project.