Sky monitoring of the celestial hemisphere for optical satellite downlinks (m/w/d)
Stellenbeschreibung
Free-space optical communication (FSOC) for Satellite Data Downlinks offers major advantages over radio-frequency communications, such as high bandwidth, low power consumption, small terminals, and high link privacy. However, in optical Low-Earth Orbit satellite downlinks, the precise pointing of the laser signal beam from space is aggravated by mechanical (pointing-direction and -precision), celestial (performance of star-sensors), and atmospheric (blockage by clouds, attenuation by aerosols) influences, leading to uncertainties in signal availability during a satellite downlink passage.
A monitoring device to verify the optical signal at the location of the optical ground station can be assembled based on an AllSky-Camera approach, observing the whole hemisphere, and potentially receiving the optical signal power during the downlink. Such a monitoring device must be based on a camera sensitive at the signal wavelength (0 – 0nm), at the same time excluding background light effects, and providing enough reception sensitivity to detect even a faint laser signal. The device must be preprogrammed to acquire frames during certain downlink time frames (typically minutes every few hours), and off-line allow automatized detection and interpretation of the signal spot.
The thesis shall comprise the following:
requirement analysis (link budget) of system sensitivity and Field-of-View component analysis (suitable objective lens, camera, software and supporting environment) building a robust autonomous setup, remotely controlled via Ethernet testing and verification in according satellite downlink scenarios documentation student in electrical engineering or similar engineering-sciences knowledge in electronic design, programming, and numerical simulation experience in camera programming fluent in English self-motivated autonomous working style Look forward to a fulfilling job with an employer who appreciates your commitment and supports your personal and professional development. Our unique infrastructure offers you a working environment in which you have unparalleled scope to develop your creative ideas and accomplish your professional objectives. Our human resources policy places great value on a healthy family and work-life-balance as well as equal opportunities for persons of all genders (f/m/x). Individuals with disabilities will be given preferential consideration in the event their qualifications are equivalent to those of other candidates.
Kontakt
DLR