S²OUTH

Telemetry

We adapted the open source OpenLST design, a radio communication design for the 70cm amateur radio band. It has been used for satellites with expected ranges well beyond 500km. Our modifications include newer components, a stronger RF power amplifier, and better connectors. The software is written in C.

Video

While the telemetry link is optimized to provide a reliable connection over high distances, it does not have the bandwidth to transmit live video. Therefore, we use a secondary transmission system based on the open source software OpenHD. We use WiFi modules with modified drivers to open a one-way data broadcast that can be received on the ground. This technology is already used in UAVs today with recorded ranges of up to 100 km.

Board Computer

The Board Computer is the central interface to all other subsystems. Our Board Computer features the STM32F4 processor, paired with a real-time operating system. For initial testing, we use a STM32F4 Discovery Kit, but the flight hardware will feature a custom built PCB.

Electronics

We design and build most of the hardware ourselves. This includes circuit boards for all subsystems, which are mostly custom designs fitted to our needs, as well as the wiring and interfaces between them.

Ground Support

We also develop many tools for ground support. These are necessary for the successful downlink of telemetry and video, and therefore just as important as their onboard counterpart.