Telemetry, tracking, and command (TT&C)

Abstract This chapter aims to provide the reader with an overview of the main aspects of designing a telecommunication system for a CubeSat or a SmallSat. The main factors to consider when designing such a system (data generation, electrical power system constraints, ground station availabilities, range, pointing, and spectrum regulations) are presented. Then an overview of the iterative design process is given, and key analysis (coverage and link analysis) is discussed in details. Finally the main telecommunication components required for the system such as antennas and transceivers are presented. The chapter concludes with some considerations for optical telecommunication systems.