14,404 research outputs found
Vulnerability analysis of satellite-based synchronized smart grids monitoring systems
The large-scale deployment of wide-area monitoring systems could play a strategic role in supporting the evolution of traditional power systems toward smarter and self-healing grids. The correct operation of these synchronized monitoring systems requires a common and accurate timing reference usually provided by a satellite-based global positioning system. Although these satellites signals provide timing accuracy that easily exceeds the needs of the power industry, they are extremely vulnerable to radio frequency interference. Consequently, a comprehensive analysis aimed at identifying their potential vulnerabilities is of paramount importance for correct and safe wide-area monitoring system operation. Armed with such a vision, this article presents and discusses the results of an experimental analysis aimed at characterizing the vulnerability of global positioning system based wide-area monitoring systems to external interferences. The article outlines the potential strategies that could be adopted to protect global positioning system receivers from external cyber-attacks and proposes decentralized defense strategies based on self-organizing sensor networks aimed at assuring correct time synchronization in the presence of external attacks
Survey of Inter-satellite Communication for Small Satellite Systems: Physical Layer to Network Layer View
Small satellite systems enable whole new class of missions for navigation,
communications, remote sensing and scientific research for both civilian and
military purposes. As individual spacecraft are limited by the size, mass and
power constraints, mass-produced small satellites in large constellations or
clusters could be useful in many science missions such as gravity mapping,
tracking of forest fires, finding water resources, etc. Constellation of
satellites provide improved spatial and temporal resolution of the target.
Small satellite constellations contribute innovative applications by replacing
a single asset with several very capable spacecraft which opens the door to new
applications. With increasing levels of autonomy, there will be a need for
remote communication networks to enable communication between spacecraft. These
space based networks will need to configure and maintain dynamic routes, manage
intermediate nodes, and reconfigure themselves to achieve mission objectives.
Hence, inter-satellite communication is a key aspect when satellites fly in
formation. In this paper, we present the various researches being conducted in
the small satellite community for implementing inter-satellite communications
based on the Open System Interconnection (OSI) model. This paper also reviews
the various design parameters applicable to the first three layers of the OSI
model, i.e., physical, data link and network layer. Based on the survey, we
also present a comprehensive list of design parameters useful for achieving
inter-satellite communications for multiple small satellite missions. Specific
topics include proposed solutions for some of the challenges faced by small
satellite systems, enabling operations using a network of small satellites, and
some examples of small satellite missions involving formation flying aspects.Comment: 51 pages, 21 Figures, 11 Tables, accepted in IEEE Communications
Surveys and Tutorial
Advanced multiple access concepts in mobile satellite systems
Some multiple access strategies for Mobile Satellite Systems (MSS) are discussed. These strategies were investigated in the context of three separate studies conducted for the International Maritime Satellite Organization (INMARSAT) and the European Space Agency (ESA). Satellite-Switched Frequency Division Multiple Access (SS-FDMA), Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), and Frequency-Addressable Beam architectures are addressed, discussing both system and technology aspects and outlining advantages and drawbacks of either solution with associated relevant hardware issues. An attempt is made to compare the considered option from the standpoint of user terminal/space segment complexity, synchronization requirements, spectral efficiency, and interference rejection
Remote atomic clock synchronization via satellites and optical fibers
In the global network of institutions engaged with the realization of
International Atomic Time (TAI), atomic clocks and time scales are compared by
means of the Global Positioning System (GPS) and by employing telecommunication
satellites for two-way satellite time and frequency transfer (TWSTFT). The
frequencies of the state-of-the-art primary caesium fountain clocks can be
compared at the level of 10e-15 (relative, 1 day averaging) and time scales can
be synchronized with an uncertainty of one nanosecond. Future improvements of
worldwide clock comparisons will require also an improvement of the local
signal distribution systems. For example, the future ACES (atomic clock
ensemble in space) mission shall demonstrate remote time scale comparisons at
the uncertainty level of 100 ps. To ensure that the ACES ground instrument will
be synchronized to the local time scale at PTB without a significant
uncertainty contribution, we have developed a means for calibrated clock
comparisons through optical fibers. An uncertainty below 50 ps over a distance
of 2 km has been demonstrated on the campus of PTB. This technology is thus in
general a promising candidate for synchronization of enhanced time transfer
equipment with the local realizations of UTC . Based on these experiments we
estimate the uncertainty level for calibrated time transfer through optical
fibers over longer distances. These findings are compared with the current
status and developments of satellite based time transfer systems, with a focus
on the calibration techniques for operational systems
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