Airbus Defence and Space Gmbh

Astrium Gmbh

Jens Eickhoff

A method for communication between a ground terminal on the earth's surface and a satellite, wherein the ground terminal and a radio terminal of the satellite are set up for IP-based communication. The communication proceeds such that one or more IP-based protocols are used with the interposition of a space-based Internet system to transmit control commands for one or more modules of the satellite from the ground terminal to the radio terminal, which receives the control commands by radio from the space-based Internet system and forwards them to the module(s). Alternatively or additionally, module data, which come from one or more modules of the satellite, are transmitted from the radio terminal to the ground terminal, with the radio terminal sending the module data by radio to the space-based Internet system.

Method for communication between a ground terminal on the earth's surface and a satellite

A multifunctional controller merges certain functions of an onboard computer (OBC) and a power supply unit (PCDU) of a satellite. The controller includes reconfiguration functions for monitoring the correct functioning of components of an onboard computer of the satellite and for switching over between redundant components and/or turning off electrical loads of the satellite in the event of a malfunction. The controller also includes control functions for controlling and distributing energy to satellite components, which is designed for turning on and off the power supply to satellite components together with the reconfiguration unit.

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Immenstaad, Germany

Jens Eickhoff