CubeSat Communications Platform

University of Alaska Fairbanks
Alaska Space Grant Program

Overview

The Advanced CubeSat Communications Platform is an ongoing project in the Space Systems Engineering Program. The goal of the project is to design a communications platform that meets the strict requirements of CubeSats while maximizing data throughput.

Thus far, the project has resulted in three Master's degrees, with another underway. The thesis have included variable coded modulation, steerable antenna arrays, and a software defined radio. The upcoming thesis is a retrodirective antenna array, and is being funded through a NASA Science Technology Research Fellowship.

Projects

Variable Coded Modulation (VITAMIN)

A custom variable modulation scheme for CubeSats developed by Thomas A. Sielicki for his Masters thesis.

Phased Array Antennas

A high gain steerable antenna array, designed specifically to optimize for power budget on small satellites developed by Jonathan Klein for his Masters project.

Software Defined Radio

A flexible software defined radio for CubeSat platforms being developed by Brandon Burgett for his Masters thesis.

Retrodirective Antenna Array

An extension of Jonathan Kleins work with the phased array antennas, this project aims to add retrodirective capabilites for final implementation. A newly started Master's thesis from Justin Long.

Get in touch

Feel free to contact us for further information or collaboration opportunities.