Define a CubeSat bus architecture for a GNSS RFI mission
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Project and Master Subjects 2026-2027
- GNSS-R: GNSS jamming and spoofing detection and localization from space
- GNSS-R: Maritime surveilance with GNSS-R
- GNSS-R/GNSS-RFI Embedded system and processing pipeline
- Software system for new smallsat camera systems
- Automatic gain control for RF front end on GNSS RFI satellite payload
- Deployment of a telescope onboard a CubeSat
- Maritime Surveillance form Space: On-board ship-detection with an RGB camera on HYPSO2
- Generalized onboard/internal command and messaging framework
- Define a CubeSat bus architecture for a GNSS RFI mission
- Energy Budgeting for Dynamic Targeting
- Dynamic image target generation for the HYPSO satellites
- Design and Testing of a Strobing Illumination System for an Underwater Hyperspectral Camera
- LEO SatCom Signals of Opportunity for positioning, navigation and timing (PNT)
- yr.no for GNSS: Real-time service providing GNSS interference coverage
- Past Projects
Define a CubeSat bus architecture for a GNSS-RFI mission
Project description
Our team is making a receiver payload for detecting and locating Radio Frequency Interference (RFI) of GNSS signals. The past two years, we have devloped an initial mission design and suitable payload design (still to be refined). For this particular task, the student should take the current state of the mission design and requirements and investigate how these designs may impact a satellite bus. For example, how can a proposed antenna be integrated (electrically, mechanically), develop system budgets (mass, power, data, link) and propose a suitable specification for a satellite bus.
Impact
Space technology plays a crucial role in achieving various Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set by the UN. A GNSS-RFI-payload has the potential to allows us to detect and monitor water vessels at sea and localize GNSS inference sources originating from sea or land. This project target
- SDG9 Industry, innovation, and infrastructure. The outcomes have an innovative and commercial potential for industry and can contribute both to new space-based infrastructure and protection of existing critical infrastructure beyond GNSS.
- SDG16 Peace, justice and strong institutions. GNSS interference monitoring is important for protecting essential services and infrastructure, both on a national and international scale.
Tasks and expected outcomes
The student should read and study the background material, both internally, but also from external and similar projects. Further, a first iteration of a CubeSat-design should be proposed. Typical system engineering methods and frameworks should be used.
- Investigate, read and refine mission design and requirements
- Understand the particular needs of the RFI payload (antenna, radio system, etc.)
- Make one or more proposals.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a highly motivated final year student in Electronics, Cybernetics or a related field with an interest in space systems, systems engineering and mission design. The student should have analytical skills, and a desire to learn and dive into complicated systems, and be structured and interested in producing text and models for a system design.
How we work
The student will be part of the NTNU SmallSat lab, a lab which typically hosts 10-20 master's student per semester. At the NTNU SmallSat Lab we encourage collaboration and try to get our group to help each other. To facilitate this, we as well as arrange common lunches and workshops where the students and supervisors can learn from each other. In some project we also implement a development process.