COMPASS-1 is the first CubeSat of the Aachen University of Applied Sciences in Germany. It is a 10x10x10 cm³ cubic satellite with a mass of less than 1 kilogram! The original mission purpose was to let everyone take and download pictures of the earth from the unique view of a satellite in orbit.
Daily download of satellite data is delegated to a team of licensed radio amateurs around the world, and is coordinated by Mike Rupprecht, DK3WN. Satellites systems information, like battery condition and temperatures, are monitored and provided to the University of Aachen. This includes downloading of pictures from the experimental camera system.
In this video it's demonstrated how satellite data (telemetry) is downloaded using 1k2 AFSK modulation. Radio amateurs use computer controlled antenna systems to ‘follow’ the satellite while it travels through space. Computers compensate for ‘Doppler’ effect on the transmit (command) and receive (telemetry) frequencies. Data decoding and telemetry processing is also fully automated by software developed by radio amateurs.
Henk, PA3GUO
Amateur Radio Station
The Netherlands
pa3guo.com
Camera: Canon HV30
Music: Licensed from SONY Cinescore Studio 1.0
