Space Communications

Spacecraft Connectivity Analysis  and Design

As space communications networks and operations become more complex, identifying the best communication solution has become a challenge for mission designers and operators. Comsat Architects’ expert services ensure robust, reliable, and resilient space communications through our design and analysis services. Applying advanced analysis capabilities, we provide high-value products that enable actionable decision making to achieve optimal space mission connectivity to commercial satellite and ground communications networks. We leverage our decade of experience working closely with NASA Glenn Research Center to provide expert mission communications services for spacecraft in Earth and Lunar environments.

Spectrum Management

Comsat Architects works closely with the NASA Glenn Research Center’s Spectrum Analysis Center to defend the agency’s science satellite spectrum usage and allocations. We perform engineering analysis of RF satellite systems to ensure their operations are within spectrum allocation requirements for domestic and international operations. These sharing and compatibility studies are performed to model the geospatial, orbit, and RF technical parameters for existing and future RF systems and networks to determine the amount of RF interference and the impact on other operators. Comsat Architects is directly involved with the World Radio Conference and provides support to input contributions into the International Telecommunication.

Lunar Mission Analysis and Design

Comsat Architects has provided lunar mission analysis and design services to NASA GRC and Headquarters since 2016, including communications analysis for NASA and partner networks, Gateway, human lander and surface mobility systems, and robotic science missions. In preparation for expanding communications needs in the Artemis Program, Comsat Architects has conducted extensive studies and developed architecture and concepts of operations for both in-orbit and surface relay systems.

In addition, we have:

Designed communications systems for commercial robotic landers as part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) program.
Provided analysis on inter-spacecraft communication links and networking to facilitate interoperability between NASA and partner spacecraft and networks.
Defined solutions for implementing wireless lunar surface-to-surface communications.
Analyzed extensibility of our lunar relay designs to Mars.
Applied cognitive functions through advanced computing and communications technologies for CubeSats and SmallSats around the Moon.