SpaceWire-to-UWB Wireless Interface Units for Intra-spacecraft Communication Links

Area of Science:

• Spacecraft communication systems
• Wireless networking in space
• Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology

Background:

• Traditional on-board spacecraft networks rely on SpaceWire (SpW) connections.
• Replacing wired connections with wireless alternatives can enhance flexibility and reduce mass.
• The Eu:CROPIS mission requires robust intra-spacecraft communication solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To test and validate novel SpW-to-UWB Wireless Interface Units (WIUs) for intra-spacecraft wireless transmission.
• To assess the performance of proprietary TRL6 WIUs designed for spacecraft data handling units (PDHU) and command and data handling units (CDHU).
• To evaluate the WIUs under mission-specific scenarios defined by the ESA-funded WiSAT-3 project.

Main Methods:

• Prototyping and testing proprietary TRL6 WIUs integrating ISA100 over an IEEE 802.15.4 UWB PHY layer.
• Implementing four validation test scenarios: link setup, end-to-end delay, maximum data rate, and housekeeping.
• Utilizing STAR-Dundee SpW-capable equipment for validation tests.

Main Results:

• Successful wireless transmission of SpaceWire data across the intra-spacecraft network in all experimental tests.
• Demonstrated reliability of the SpW-to-UWB WIUs for Ultra-Wideband wireless communications within a simulated space shuttle environment.
• Achieved Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL6) for the developed WIU technology.

Conclusions:

• The validated SpW-to-UWB WIUs are reliable for intra-spacecraft wireless communication.
• This technology offers a viable alternative to traditional wired SpaceWire connections for future Low Earth Orbit (LEO) missions.
• The successful demonstration confirms the suitability of UWB technology for space applications.