Download Thermal, Telecommunication and Power Systems for a CubeSat

3.2.3 STK Analysis
A critical step in design of a telecommunications system is modelling of the links through
STK an AGI (Analytical Graphics Inc.) software suite designed to model various satellite
systems and missions. This project made use of various communications tools within STK.
Scenario
STK allows users to define orbital and mission based parameters to simulate various
systems and scenarios. Various orbits can be simulated to understand the direct effects of orbital
characteristics on the system. Objects such as satellites, ground stations, targets, and celestial
bodies can be added to the model and constrained to the mission specifications. The satellite
capabilities can be constrained through specification of transmitters, receivers, and antennas to
map the various links. Ground stations are indicated on the earth map with the analysis using the
transmitters, receivers, and antennas specified by the user for each of the sites.
Figure 17 below shows the ground tracks of the CubeSat and locations of the four chosen ground
stations in Warsaw, Delft, Cal Poly, and University of Texas. The access to these stations is
highlighted and color-coded to the specific stations.
Figure 17: Ground tracks of the CubeSat plotted using STK.
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