Operational Use of DCS by Satellites - Results and Recommended Path Forward

Data Collection System (DCS) Transmitters (met aides) transmit in the 401-402 MHz band to uplink data to the Data Collection Platform Receiver (DCPR) on GOES, MeteoSat, and Himawari. Satellites not associated with DCS are also allocated to use this band (space-to-Earth) for space operations purposes. Nominally, there should be little, if any, radio frequency (RF) interference, with this arrangement of transmitting in opposite directions. However, these other satellites not associated with DCS typically transmit with omni antennas and, inadvertently, also radiate in the direction of the DCS receivers on GOES and other DCPR equipped satellites.

The Satellite DCS Use Concept Validation project was originally scoped to determine if satellites can successfully interface with these Data Collection System (DCS) receivers (DCPR) and thus provide a low-rate data (100, 300, or 1200 bps) service to satellite users.

Satellite use of the DCS fosters a new means for collecting and distributing meteorological and climatology data. This can be done using DCS equipped smallsats in polar orbits. With a commanding capability implemented in GOES, this DCS equipped smallsat could also relay these commands from other DCS systems. NOAA/NESDIS initiated a project to determine if a satellite could interface effectively within the DCS.

Beginning in July 2020, a DCS transmitter placed onboard the TechEdSat (TES)-10 CubeSat had successfully passed multiple data transmissions through the GOES-E and GOES-W DCPR that were subsequently decoded at the GOES ground stations. As a result, TES-10 has shown the proof-of-concept for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) DCS. TES-11, launched on 4 July 2024, will verify DCS as a practical communication medium for LEO satellites. The launch of TES-16 in November will enable us to verify a multi-satellite use of DCS.

Satellite use of the DCS introduces a new means for collecting and distributing meteorological and climatology data. This can be done using DCS equipped smallsats in polar orbits. Additionally, should a commanding capability be implemented in GOES, this DCS equipped smallsat could also relay these commands from other DCS systems.

The next step is to identify the national and international criteria for use of DCS by satellites and to begin advancing satellite capabilities, such as commanding, in using DCS.

Author will discuss the Satellite DCS Use Concept Project results and a recommended path forward towards possible uses and applications of satellites using DCS.