Hello and good moring everoyone todays
our presenation is about use of analog
communication in sape studies and space
researches.so basically space it self is a
vast and mysterious domain and in the
era of digital technology sitt analog
commun is used to study and explore the
space. From observing planets and
atmospheric conditions to detecting
cosmic rays, microwaves, and various
interstellar reactions — all of this is made
possible through the transmission and
reception of signals.so today’s our main
focous will be anlog communication.
Though digital techonology more used in space studies but
still analog communication is used in space mission that used
modulation,filtering,error correction,ditection to ensure the
efficient transmission of signal through vast distance.
AM:this is not as much use because of its inefficiency but is
some cases like In deep space missions (like NASA's Voyager,
Cassini, and Mars rovers), spacecraft transmit multiple types
of data simultaneously — such as telemetry, voice, and
scientific data.
Why: To avoid interference between these,
Because it's easy to implement and decode on
Earth, and offers a simple way to carry multiple
low-rate signals.
From ppt other part.
Telemetry involves sending data about spacecraft
health (like temperature, pressure, voltage, etc.)
back to Earth.
he Tracking and Command System is a system
that helps ground stations on Earth communicate
with spacecraft. It includes:
1.Tracking – knowing where the spacecraft is.
2.Command – sending instructions to the
spacecraft.
What is FM?
In FM, the frequency of the carrier wave changes
based on the data being sent.
✅ FM in Space:
Used to transmit telemetry — data collected
from the spacecraft sensors (e.g.,
temperature, battery voltage, camera data).
FM is robust to noise, which is useful when
signals travel long distances in space.
✅ Example:
When a satellite sends data about its internal
systems (health data) back to Earth, it's often FM-
modulated and transmitted on an S-band
frequency.
In PM, the phase of the carrier wave changes
according to the binary data (1s and 0s) being
sent.
✅ PM in Space:
Used to send commands from ground to
spacecraft.
Commands must be secure and precise, and
PM is great for binary digital transmission.
It also allows multiple commands to be sent
clearly over a signal without too much
distortion.
✅ Example:
If ground control wants the satellite to deploy its
solar panels, they send a PM-modulated signal
carrying that command.
Spread Spectrum techniques are methods of
transmitting a signal over a wide range of
frequencies, instead of just one. This makes the
signal:
Harder to detect
More resistant to interference
More secure and reliable
1. Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (FHSS)
✅ Simple Explanation:
FHSS means changing the carrier frequency
very quickly during transmission.
Both sender and receiver follow the same
hopping pattern so they stay in sync.
🚀 Use in Space:
Used in military satellites and secure space
communication systems.
Helps avoid jamming and interception.
Useful in crowded or noisy environments, like
near-Earth orbit.
Why It's Important:
Makes it harder for enemies to block or
intercept signals.
Increases signal reliability, even if some
frequencies are blocked.
Dsss:
How it works: The signal is multiplied with a high-rate pseudo-random noise (PN) code,
spreading the signal across a wider frequency band.
✅ Uses in Space Research:
High data integrity: DSSS spreads the signal, making it less susceptible to
narrowband interference and noise.
A high-gain antenna is designed to focus radio waves into a narrow beam, rather than
broadcasting in all directions like a low-gain antenna.
✅ Why HGAs Are Used in Space:
Long-distance communication: Signals from spacecraft are very weak by the time
they reach Earth — focusing the beam increases signal strength.
High data rates: Essential for sending large amounts of scientific data (e.g., h
· Voyager 1 (14+ billion miles away!) uses an HGA to stay in touch with Earth.
· Mars rovers send large data sets via HGAs to orbiters or directly to Earth.
What It Is:
Beamforming is a signal processing technique that steers the direction of a radio beam
electronically using an array of antennas — no mechanical movement needed
1. Signal Directionality
Beamforming focuses the radio signal in a specific direction, rather than broadcasting
it in all directions.
This concentration of energy allows the signal to reach much farther and be more
easily detected, which is essential for deep-space missions.
🔹 2. Increased Communication Range
Focused beams have higher gain, meaning stronger signals can be sent and received
over long distances.
This is especially critical when communicating with spacecraft that are millions or
billions of kilometers away.
🔹 3. Interference Reduction
Beamforming can suppress signals coming from unwanted directions, reducing noise
and interference.
This is important in crowded communication environments like satellite
constellations or interplanetary relay systems.
🔹 4. Enhanced Data Rates
By improving signal quality and strength, beamforming allows for higher data
transmission rates.
This enables the transmission of high-resolution images, scientific data, and
telemetry over vast distances.
🔹 5. Multi-User Communication
In satellite systems, beamforming enables a spacecraft or satellite to communicate
with multiple ground stations or users simultaneously by directing separate beams
to each one.
This is especially useful in satellite internet constellations and planetary missions
with multiple landers or rovers.
🔹 6. Power Efficiency
Spacecraft have limited power resources. Beamforming allows them to use less
power while maintaining strong communication links by directing energy precisely
where it’s needed.
Real-World Applications:
Modern satellites (LEO and GEO) use beamforming to provide Internet access, TV,
and military communication.
Optical communincation:
Optical analog communication in space refers to using light waves
(usually laser) to transmit continuous analog signals (like sound,
video, or sensor data) instead of digital (1s and 0s)
Laser Communication (Optical Analog Modulation)
Laser communication using optical analog modulation involves encoding an analog signal—
such as a voice, video stream, or sensor output—onto a laser beam by modulating its
amplitude, frequency, or phase. In amplitude modulation, the intensity of the laser light is
varied in proportion to the analog signal. Frequency modulation alters the frequency of the
light, while phase modulation shifts the wave's phase to carry information. These
modulation techniques allow continuous signals to be transmitted directly without
conversion to digital form. Because lasers emit highly directional beams, laser
communication can transmit data over vast distances with minimal loss, making it ideal for
interplanetary or inter-satellite links.
Coherent Communication:
Coherent optical communication uses coherent detection, where the
received optical signal is mixed with a local oscillator (a laser with a
known phase and frequency). This mixing process converts the optical
signal into an electrical one, preserving both the amplitude and phase
information. The system can then use advanced digital signal
processing (DSP) to recover the data accurately, even in the presence of
distortions like chromatic dispersion and polarization mode dispersion.
Analog RF for Deep-Space and Planetary Exploration
n modern space research, analog RF (Radio Frequency) technology still plays a significant,
though increasingly specialized, role—particularly in deep-space and planetary exploration
missions. While digital communication systems dominate for high-data-rate applications,
analog RF systems continue to be relied upon for critical functions such as tracking, ranging,
and low-data-rate telemetry, due to their robustness, simplicity, and proven reliability in
extreme environments. Space agencies like NASA and ESA often use analog RF in conjunction
with digital systems to ensure redundancy and mission safety.
One of the most important uses of analog RF today is in spacecraft navigation and tracking.
Ground stations use analog RF signals to measure the Doppler shift and round-trip delay
time of the signal, enabling precise tracking of spacecraft positions across millions of
kilometers. This technique, known as Doppler ranging, is still based on analog principles and
is essential for navigation and orbital adjustments in deep space.
Analog RF also finds use in the entry, descent, and landing (EDL) phases of planetary
missions, where real-time data must be transmitted with minimal delay and maximum
reliability. In these high-risk moments, analog systems are preferred for their lower
susceptibility to sudden failure and for their compatibility with legacy ground station
equipment. Additionally, some scientific instruments on spacecraft, such as radar sounders
and altimeters, use analog RF components to collect surface and subsurface data on celestial
bodies like the Moon, Mars, and icy moons.
While the trend is shifting toward advanced digital modulation and optical communication
systems for higher bandwidth and improved efficiency, analog RF continues to serve as a
complementary and backup technology, ensuring communication reliability in situations
where digital systems alone may not suffice. Thus, in modern space research, analog RF
remains a foundational element in the layered and resilient communication infrastructure
required for successful deep-space exploration.
