Phase 0/A preliminary design and analysis of the TT&C subsystem and ground segment for the DAPHNE Cubesat

This work presents the preliminary design and analysis of the Telemetry, Tracking, and Command (TT&C) subsystem and Ground Segment for the DAPHNE CubeSat, a spin-off project of the Space Systems course at the University of Naples Federico II. The mission aims to enhance the efficiency of cost-effective satellite systems by utilizing a versatile platform designed to support three distinct missions at two specific altitudes - 500 km in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and 350 km in Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) - over 24 months. The research focuses on the key mission design aspects ensuring reliable communication between the CubeSat and the Ground Station network across all mission phases, including during challenging propulsion manoeuvres. Simulations using GMAT and MATLAB assessed orbital dynamics, atmospheric losses, and link budgets, validating the communication strategies under varying operational conditions. The study demonstrated the feasibility of maintaining robust communication links, even during propulsion-intensive phases, through careful analysis and optimization of link margins. Simulations confirmed sufficient coverage and operational flexibility to atmospheric disruptions, ensuring continuous data transfer and command reliability.