PERIOD: Abstract The Internet architecture has evolved and adapted from fixed and wired to mobile and wireless networks. This course presents the foundations to further expand internet technologies to the space domain, ranging from near-Earth satellite constellations up to interplanetary networks and beyond. Space Networking lectures lay the basis of space dynamics and technologies to then dive into adequate space networking protocols and algorithms. The course’s contents are backed-up by tutorials based on state-of-the-art space dynamics software tools integrated with Python scripting. A final project will challenge the students to design and optimize a realistic Lunar network to relay data from the opposite side of the Moon back to Earth. The course requires no previous knowledge on space dynamics nor communications as both topics are integrally covered from the basis in the lectures.

Contents  Lecture A - Space  [1.5 hrs] Lecture A.1 – Space Applications Overview of the applications motivating space missions (communications, remote sensing, weather, navigation, scientific, military and manned missions).  [1.5 hrs] Lecture A.2 – Distributed Missions Historical focus on the reasons driving the space industry from large heavy spacecrafts to small and lightweight cubesats platforms and future trends.  Lecture B - Space  [1.5 hrs] Lecture B.1 – Physics and Orbits Review of the basic principles governing space dynamics as well as required parameters to sufficiently describe orbits and trajectories in space.  [1.5 hrs] Lecture B.2 – Propagation and Perturbation Introduction to the field of orbital prediction as well as the way of considering third objects and atmospheric perturbations into the calculations.  Lecture C - Space  [1.5 hrs] Lecture C.1 – Launch and Maneuvers Review of orbital injection and satellite maneuver calculations (normal and antinormal burns, radial burns, Hohmann transfers, etc.)  [1.5 hrs] Lecture C.2 – Trajectories Design Introduction to differential correctors to support the design of complex maneuvers and trajectories such as interplanetary paths.  Lecture D - Space and Networking  [1.5 hrs] Lecture D.1 – Computers in Space Overview of the electronics, computers and software approaches required to operate and control spacecrafts.  [1.5 hrs] Lecture D.2 – Satellite Technologies Review of satellite subsystems (mechanical, propulsion, thermal, power, attitude, TTC&C, payload, antenna).  Lecture E - Networking  [1.5 hrs] Lecture E.1 – Basic Communication Introduction to basic concepts of signal theory, Fourier transform, analog and digital modulation techniques.  [1.5 hrs] Lecture E.2 – Link Budget Overview of space link budget calculation and analysis, the impact of the Doppler effect and frequency and propagation considerations.  Lecture F - Networking  [1.5 hrs] Lecture F.1 – Multiple Access Techniques Review of the coordination and negotiation techniques to access a shared radio frequency resource in a space link, and the advent of optical links.  [1.5 hrs] Lecture F.2 – Space Networks Presentation of satellite networks taxonomy, networked satellite constellations, inter-satellite linking, routing and standardized communication protocols.  Lecture G - Networking  [1.5 hrs] Lecture G.1 – Delay-Tolerant Networks Motivation of a store-carry-and-forward networking architecture and protocols for deep-space networking, its applicability in near-Earth missions.  [1.5 hrs] Lecture G.2 – Routing and Optimisation Overview of the state-of-the-art multi-hop routing calculation in space networks as well as ground-based optimizations to enhance resource utilization in space.  Tutorial  [10 hrs] Exercise sheets Hands-on written and computer exercises to settle the contents of the lectures. Computer exercises will be based on STK tool and supporting Python scripting.  Project  STK Certification + Network Analysis A final integrating project to design a Lunar landing mission and the corresponding Lunar satellite network optimization to relay data back to Earth.  Day 1: Lecture A (morning) + Tutorial (afternoon)  Day 2: Lecture B (morning) + Tutorial (afternoon)  Day 3: Lecture C (morning) + Tutorial (afternoon)  Day 4: Lecture D (morning) + Tutorial (afternoon)  Day 5: Lecture E (morning) + Tutorial (afternoon)  Day 6: Lecture F (morning) + Project (afternoon)  Day 7: Lecture G (morning) + Project (afternoon)

Structure The course could start in October with the following structure. Exact day schedule is to be determined yet.

Modalità di esame:

Exam:

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Gli studenti e le studentesse con disabilità o con Disturbi Specifici di Apprendimento (DSA), oltre alla segnalazione tramite procedura informatizzata, sono invitati a comunicare anche direttamente al/la docente titolare dell'insegnamento, con un preavviso non inferiore ad una settimana dall'avvio della sessione d'esame, gli strumenti compensativi concordati con l'Unità Special Needs, al fine di permettere al/la docente la declinazione più idonea in riferimento alla specifica tipologia di esame.