Sistemas de Satélites e de Navegação

Objectives

Basic concepts associated with satellite communications, as well as global positioning and navigation systems using satellites. At the end of the module, students will know how to calculate the essential parameters of a satellite radio connection, taking into account the types of antennas to be used for each type of service, and the disturbances caused by the low atmosphere and ionosphere. They will also know the potential and limitations of radio navigation systems, and will have skills to know how to choose equipment associated with navigation systems.

Syllabus

• Introduction to satellite communications; • Characterization of the propagation channel; • Basic concepts about antennas; • Antenna configurations depending on the type of radio coverage; • Electromagnetic noise; • Modulation and coding techniques; • Upward, downward and inter-satellite performance; • Multi-access schemes for satellite communications; • Introduction to satellite navigation systems (GPS, Glonass, Galileo, Beidou); • Orbits and constellations; • Navigation signals and pseudo-distance measurement; • Positioning and navigation models; • Resolution of the navigation equation; • Applications and future perspectives

Cross Competence Component

Components a) and b) encourage the inter-personal exchange, critical thinking, strategic thinking, creativity and time management, which will be explicitly evaluated.

Ethical Principles

All members of a group are responsible for the group’s work In any assessment, every student shall honestly disclose any help received and sources used. In an oral assessment, every student shall be able to present and answer questions about the entire assignment and solution.