Regulatory Considerations of Small Satellite Projects: Improving the International Small Satellite

International Journal of Computer Science Engineering and Information Technology Research (IJCSEITR) ISSN (P): 2249–6831; ISSN (E): 2249–7943 Vol. 10, Issue 1, Jun 2020, 1–8 © TJPRC Pvt. Ltd.

REGULATORY CONSIDERATIONS OF SMALL SATELLITE PROJECTS: IMPROVING THE INTERNATIONAL SMALL SATELLITE REGULATORY FRAMEWORK ABDOURAHMANE RAIMY, NIANE KHALILOU & NDIAYE MOHAMADOU Telecommunications and Networks Lab of DMI, FST, University of Dakar, Senegal ABSTRACT Small satellites have increased significantly the range of space missions, thus lowering the cost of access to space for emerging countries in space technologies. Small satellites provide the opportunity to conduct ambitious scientific experiments and applications as a complement to large missions. This article focuses on regulatory procedures for better development of small satellites. The suggested principles will reduce the complexity of the existing regulations. the protection of communications links and the effectiveness of the band will be taken into account in the proposed framework.

KEYWORDS: Small Satellites, Regulation, IT U, Streamlined Process & Cube-Sat

ABBREVIATIONS SAT’s: Satellites LEO:

Low Earth Orbit

RR:

Radio Regulations

Original Article

Received: Oct 23, 2019; Accepted: Nov 13, 2019; Published: Jan 02, 2020; Paper Id.: IJCSEITRJUN20201

MIFR: Master International Frequency Register IARU: Amateur Union Organization.

INTRODUCTION Small satellites and their applications have favored the spatial access to several countries and their governmental and non-governmental organizations, including universities, research institutes and the private sector, which funds for space activities are limited.

In additional small satellites are very important in the scientific and technical literature, more specifically in telecommunications. Previously, they were at the prerogative of the young student researchers. Today the commercial sector dominates on the activities of exploitation.

One of the major problems in defining small satellites is that there is no international accord on enunciation.

Small satellites can be categorized into several classes according to size and mass For an example a number of Nonosatellites less than 10 kg,

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Abdourahmane Raimy, Niane Khalilou & Ndiaye Mohamadou

We can identify some characteristics of small satellite missions: •

Often, they involve new actors in space activities, for example academic institutions, private companies and nongovernmental.

•

Affordable manufacturing and implementation costs for developers,

•

Short manufacturing time

•

Restricted team In addition, for a variety of reasons, often due to inexperience or lack of knowledge of the national and international regulatory framework, they are not always conducted in full compliance with international obligations, regulations and voluntary guidelines (authorization, supervision, radio regulations, space debris mitigation guidelines, etc.).

In this article, we will highlight by describing the characteristics of the small satellite [10].

CHARACTERISTICS OF SMALL SATELLITE We explained that today there is no international consensus on the definition of the term "small satellite". Generally, satellites are grouped into categories according to their mass. The International Academy of Astronautics (IAA) attempted to propose a nomenclature and a simplified subset of small satellites in 2005 [1].

Table 1: Categories of Small Satellites Categories Mass (Kg) minisatellites Less than 1000 microsatellites Less than 100 nanosatellites Less than 10 picosatellites' Less than 1 The most popular favors for small satellite research are the return effects after recurring missions. These returns will help to better understand small satellites and take advantage of these opportunities small satellites offer advantages such as: •

Minimal financial loss in case of failure

•

Low manufacturing cost Easy of mass production

•

Possibility to be launched in a group small satellites ("piggyback" )with larger satellites

•

Reduced launch cost

Type minisatellite Microsatellite Nanosatellite (Cube-Sat) Picosatellite Femtosatellite

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Table 2: Characteristics of Small Satellites Size (by mass)-Kg Scientific Research Student & University Experiments 100 - 500 Typical Occasional 10 -100 Typical Typical 1- 10

Occasional

Typical

0,1-1 0,01-0,1

Rare Rare

Typical Typical

NAAS Rating: 3.76

Regulatory Considerations of Small Satellite Projects: Improving the International Small Satellite Regulatory Framework

Characteristics Cost Dev./Prod.

Cycle Spectrum Use Propulsion Mission Life Launch

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Table 3: Small Satellites vs Conventional Satellites Representative Conventional Satellite Representative Small-Satellite Manufacturing cost in the low millions Manufacturing cost in the hundreds of millions or hundreds of thousands Measured in years

Measured in weeks

Mutually exclusive spectrum use;Two-way communications or high-powered broadcasting Yes LEO, GEO, MEO 15 years Dedicated launch vehicle

Shared spectrum use;Sensing; one-way data to limited number of earth stations No(in most cases) LEO (in most cases less than 600 km) 2-5 years Secondary payload ISS

CUBE-SAT Cube Sat is a satellite of less than 1.33 kg according to the official definition, size 10 Ă— 10 Ă— 10 cm or "1U", and generally using IT products that are used more and more in projects which have for but reduce design, manufacturing and maintenance costs: COTS (commercial off-the-shelf).

Manufacturing standards have been established by the cubat pioneers in 1999: Leland Stanford Junior University, better known as university stand ford and California University

Figure 1: [Cube-Sat 1 Unit (1U) Size: 10 cm of Fish Bone Volume: 1 Liter [8].

SMALL SATELLITE APPLICATIONS There are certain applications that seem commonly well suited to small satellites: Academic Training Operations promote lessons rich in small satellite programs, practices, internships (management and know-how). it is important to initiate in all phases of a small satellite mission (production, launch, manufacturing) to young student researchers.

Scientific Research The future of space depends on very small satellites.

It's a boon to the scientific academy to gain practical experience in satellite engineering. The objective of small satellite missions is to host and test the latest technological innovations in the space, and allow access to space for students and private groups for their research. www.tjprc.org

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Scientific research allows us to know that mall satellite missions have demonstrated that high quality missions can be accomplished with small satellites.

Earth Observations The studies have shown that Earth observation is the primary focal point for the development of the small satellite industry. the lack of data related to disaster management, agriculture, etc. is noted in the sector. In the near future a significant percentage will be launched for the sector related to Earth observation applications.

SMALL SATELLITE FREQUENCY USE Many small satellites use the radio frequency assigned to the amateur radio service. There are three main reasons for using amateur radio bands for small satellites: •

These frequencies are accessible by all radio amateurs and universities of the world.

•

Equipment communication in amateur radio bands exists on the market and are available without the need for an amateur radio license.

•

The transmission and reception in these frequency bands are free.

Table 3: Amateur Radio Frequency Bands Bands Amateur Service 28–29 7MHz 144–146 MHz (UHF) 435–438 MHz (VHF)

THE ITU RADIO REGULATIONS: CASE ON SMALL SATELLITES ITU has defined an international framework for small satellites.

•

Principles and Coordination Procedures Applicable to the Filing of Small Satellites Networks The coordination process is integrated into three basic steps: advance publication, coordination section and

notification. They are previously indicated in the RR, section 1, articles 9 and 11. This is a very important administrative procedure that must be archived in the Register Reference (MIFR: Master International Frequency Register). This recording supports networks that do not cause damage or interference to other services [6].

Advance Publication and Information (API) Small satellites usually use frequencies that do not make coordination. The aim of the API is to inform all administrations of any future satellite system using a GSO or non-GSO satellite and its general description [2].

Remarks Comments on the API-A section must be archived after 4 months of the API (sub-section 9.3).

•

Use of software named SPACECOM (Resolution number 55).

•

The Bureau reports the comments of the organizations in a section called API-B

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Regulatory Considerations of Small Satellite Projects: Improving the International Small Satellite Regulatory Framework

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Coordination Publication the detail description and coordination requirements and Negotiate with concerned administrations and complete coordination agreements.

Figure 2: Satellite Networks Filings Procedures.

Remarks The Coordi-nation procedure is, however, not applicable to the vast majority of non-gso small satellite networks.

Inconvenience related to the regulatory framework at the World Radio-communication Conference in 2012, the technicians has recognized the need to review existing regulatory framework. The regulatory framework must imperatively take into account the short period of life, of manufacturing and the missions of small satellites In accordance with resolution 757 of the 12th resolution speaking on the regulation of small satellites, more precisely picosatellites and nanosatellites, the ITU-R should review the notification methods for satellite systems.

In the current procedure it will necessarily to wait for the launch date which appears in the contract before to make the publication API, but this date is often known late. It will also notify the small satellite only at the time of launch[4].

STREAMLINED PROCESS FOR SMALL SATELLITES The need today is to have an easily accessible regulatory framework. Positive developments in new technologies and related services will only be possible if an easily accessible regulatory framework is put in place. This is what the article is trying to do.

Anticipate the API To improve the regulatory procedure, it important to anticipate the API phase in the preliminary design of the small satellite and to notify during the evaluation.

The figure below describes the proposed solution.

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Abdourahmane Raimy, Niane Khalilou & Ndiaye Mohamadou

Figure 3: Anticipate the API License In this article, it is proposed to fill in and comply with the terms of licenses granted for small satellites. It is proposed: •

One of the conditions is to moderate the number to be deployed per license.

•

Limit the duration of the license contract to four or five years.

•

The start of the license period must begin as soon as the satellization.

Maximum Small Satellite Size To have a standard and to simplify things. It will be necessary to have an element or elements to categorize the small satellites. the best element is to arrange them according to their volume or mass.

Deployment Orbit Today, the competition for the deployment of a constellation of several small satellites positioned in low orbit intended to create a network to cover large areas of the globe must put question regulators. Indeed to have an authorization which gives the capacity to deploy several satellites for a project. it will be necessary to respect a number of satellites according to the projects launched. Finally to avoid debris in space.

Risk of Collision and Operational Debris Currently, the count of satellites in different orbits around the Earth is in the thousands. The addition of several hundred to several thousand new satellites, even very small and in low orbit is therefore far from trivial and requires specific procedures.

What we have to understand is that even a small debris - due to the speed at which it progresses in space can detonate an active satellite for example and this explosion will generate a new cloud of debris.

To solve the problem of space debris, it is necessary to collect the waste, in other words the debris through the system nets.

A tax or royalty fee for the collection on each satellite must be fixed.

Track-Ability To ensure the traceability of satellites such as the aviation radar system. It is proposed that all applicants applying for a license under the simplified small satellite process must comply with the standard. i.e the dimensions in terms of mass and Impact Factor (JCC): 9.7093

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Regulatory Considerations of Small Satellite Projects: Improving the International Small Satellite Regulatory Framework

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volume of the satellites will not be less than 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm.

CONCLUSIONS Small satellites are revolutionary opportunities for organizations and nations with limited financing resources. They offer interesting missions with current and emerging technologies, for all areas of science and applications, for technology demonstrations and for training and education. The Radio Regulations Systems (RR-IUTs) are not necessarily designed for small launch operations of small satellite. This opinion proposes the technical provisions and simplified regulatory procedures aim to guarantee the rational, equitable, economical use of spectrum / orbit resources and the development of small satellites in poor countries which are lagging behind in space exploration.

REFERENCES 1.

Question UIT-R 254/7:Caractéristiques et besoins de spectre des systèmes à satellites utilisant des nanosatellites et des picosatellites ;

2.

Rapport UIT-R SA.2348-0 (05/2015) : Pratiques et procédures actuelles applicables aux nanosatellites et picosatellites Applications spatiales et météorologie ;

3.

Rapport UIT-R SA 2312.0 : Caractéristiques, définitions et besoins en spectre des nanosatellites et picosatellites ;

4.

Tengli, A. C., & Hadalgi, P. (2017). Design of Inset-Fed Triple-Band Rectangular Microstrip Antenna for Wimax, 5.5 Ghz Wlan and Lower X-Band Satellite Applications.

5.

Résolution UIT-R 68 : Amélioration de la diffusion des connaissances concernant les procédures réglementaires applicables aux satellites de petite taille, y compris les nanosatellites et les picosatellites

6.

ITU filing procedures for small satellites : https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/space/Pages/supportsmallsat.aspx;

7.

TU Symposium and Workshop on small satellite regulation and communication systems, Santiago de Chile, Chile, 7-9 November 2016 : https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/space/workshops/2016-small-sat/Pages/default.aspx;

8.

ITU Symposium and Workshop on small satellite regulation and communication systems Prague, Czech Republic, 2-4 March 2015 : https://www.itu.int/en/ITU-R/space/workshops/2015-prague-small-sat/Pages/default.aspx;

9.

Malisuwan, S. Design of Ground Station Smart Antenna System for Multimedia Communications in Small Drone Applications.

10. Rapport de la deuxième Réunion préparatoire à la Conférence mondiale des radio communications de 2019 : https://www.itu.int/md/R15-CPM19.02-R-0001/en 11. International Amateur Radio Union. “Amateur Radio Satellites -Information for Developers of Satellites Planning to Use Frequency Bands Allocated to the Amateur-Satellite Services,” 2006. Available at URL:http://www.iaru.org/amateur-radiosatellite-frequency-coordination.html; Internet.10.International.

12. FCC Reference Information Center

AUTHOR'S PROFILE Mr. Abdourahmane Raimy, working as Teacher in University Cheikh Anta Diop of Dakar. He is also a researcher in same University. His research units in Networks, Services and Telecommunications Laboratory. He did his PhD in URSS. He is also a Faculty of Sciences and Technologies at a Discipline of Roman languages. He also contributed in publish of more than 5 articles

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Abdourahmane Raimy, Niane Khalilou & Ndiaye Mohamadou

Mr. Khalilou, Niane, working as a Director of radio communications at Regulatory Authority for Telecommunications and Posts in (ARTP) Senegal. He is currently doing his PhD. He is graduated in Electrical engineering from the Institute of Technology of DAKAR (IUT) in 1983. From 1984 to 2005, he worked as Head of broadcasting Center and Head of broadcasting Department for Senegalese Radio and Television (RTS). He joined Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Senegal in 2005. He successively held the functions of Head of Radio Networks Management Service, Head of Frequency Management Department, Director of Radio communications. At the international level, He was Vice chairman of ITU-R Study Group 6 (Broadcasting Service), Rapporteur of African Preparatory meetings for the World.

Mr. Mohamadou Ndiaye, is a PhD student in University of Dakar. He did his masters in Networks and Telecommunications (Department of Mathematics and Computer Science of the Faculty of Science and Technology of the Cheikh Anta Diop University of Dakar) at the year 2014. He received his Professional degree Networks and Services (ESMT of Dakar: École Supérieure Multinationale Telecommunications) at the year of 2012. At the year 2011 he received his Diploma of Higher Technician in Telecommunications/Networks (ESMT of Dakar: École Supérieure Multinationale Telecommunications). And in 2009 he received his Scientific Baccalaureate (LMR: Lycée Moderne de Rufisque).

Impact Factor (JCC): 9.7093

NAAS Rating: 3.76