A NEW MODULAR SYSTEM FOR TELEMETRY-TELECOMMAND CONTINUUM LINK AND POWER SUPPLY IN LONG DURATION BALLOON FLIGHTS

A fully integrated system, providing both up (Telecommand, TC) and down (Telemetry, TM) continuous link for Long Duration Balloon experiments has been developed and tested by using the Iridium platform. The system uses two Iridium channels, allowing up to 4.8 Kbit/sec, being 2.4 Kbit/sec the nominal maximum bit rate per channel. More modules can be used to attain higher bit rates. The basic unit also includes a power supply module, able to manage up to 10A at 24VDC, but the design allows extension up to 15 modules for higher power demands. When combined, the two units represent a reliable solution for managing Long Duration Balloon experiments, mainly in absence of distributed ground stations.