When a small spacecraft needs to transfer data to Earth, it has to wait for it to be within the range of the ground station, which is quite long and not always convenient, especially when it comes to small satellites with very modest functionality and capabilities. To solve this problem, NASA specialists and telecommunication start-up engineers ATLAS Space Operations have jointly developed a space data transmission system, which is being actively tested. The idea of the project is that when researchers need to get satellite data, they might not wait for the opportunity, instead deploying a small transmitter in the right place and transferring information through it.
consists of a microcomputer that will ensure data integrity during a failure, and four antennas, each weighing less than five kilograms. To work it needs only a source of energy and Internet access. It is able to process signals in real time from several small satellites and quickly adjust to the operation in just a few minutes after accessing it.
The developers note that the ATLAS system still requires some improvements, but in the future it will be able to provide fast and high-quality data transfer to the Earth even in those places where NASA does not have ground-based stations. It is reported that such mobile antennas will be able to work both independently and in a "team" with stations of the NASA Near Earth Network.
If the development of the project is successfully completed, such transmitters will become an inexpensive and practical solution that will allow backups and mission support, providing additional communication between space vehicles and the Earth.
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