Satellite Ground Station Research Facility

实验卫星地面站设施(SGSF)旨在通过提供成本和时间高效的空中生活实验和验证途径，以及支持技能和人才发展，加快空间和卫星技术的发展和成熟。SGSF填补了EPSRC设备组合中的一个空白，在全球范围内代表着一个稀缺的设施。该设施为研究人员提供了在广泛的空间和卫星技术领域工作的最先进的基础设施，以便在LEO、MEO或GEO轨道上进行高空和星载平台的实验。它还允许收集天文数据以及对天体光子学和辐射测量设备和系统进行实验。它包括1)实验毫米波终端，可灵活配置以调整基带处理、射频前端或天线，同时执行实时空中测量。这包括一个能够模拟机动性并可用于验证毫米波跟踪天线的跟踪定位器；2)按照类似理念构建的模块化实验光学终端，以实现从光通信和量子任务到天文成像和部件测试等各种研究的即插即用；3)可用于对实验设置性能进行基准测试或为实验卫星任务提供遥控和控制以及数据下载的参考终端；4)支持基础设施，包括与苏格兰5G中心建立的Tayside 5G集线器以及核心网络之间的专用暗光纤连接。例如，这种连接将使以下研究成为可能：解决将非地面网络整合到5G及更高级别的研究；将SGSF用作涉及分布式地面部分的更大实验设置的终端；扩大量子通信实验的范围。SGSF位于埃罗尔机场，这是一个有利的位置，因为它安静的电磁环境和宽广的视野。该地点受益于现有的工业卫星地面站，最近被选为EPSRC量子通信中心望远镜的所在地，SGSF与之协同工作。为了确保与学术界和业界用户的广泛和公平接触，SGSF的用户参与是通过苏格兰5G中心的专职业务参与经理进行的。为了确保随时访问基础设施，并为每个实验活动提供高效的设置，SGSF配备了一名经验丰富的研究技术专家。该设施采用透明成本计算方法(TRAC)进行成本计算，所有感兴趣的用户都可广泛使用。

The Experimental Satellite Ground Station Facility (SGSF) aims to accelerate the development and maturation of space and satellite technologies by providing cost and time efficient access to live over the air experimentation and validation as well as underpinning skill and talent development. SGSF fills a gap in the EPSRC equipment portfolio and represents a scarce facility globally.The facility provides researchers working across a wide range of space and satellite technologies readily access to state-of-the-art infrastructure for experimentation with high altitude and spaceborne platforms in LEO, MEO or GEO orbits. It also allows the collection of astronomical data as well as the experimentation with astrophotonic and radiometric devices and systems. It comprises of 1) an experimental mm-wave terminal that can be flexibly configured to adjust the baseband processing, RF front-end or the antenna while performing live over-the-air measurements. This includes a tracking positioner that can emulate mobility and can be used for the validation of mm-wave tracking antennas; 2) a modular experimental optical terminal built along a similar philosophy to enable plug-and-play" access in research spanning from optical communications and quantum missions to astronomical imaging and component testing; 3) reference terminals that can be used to benchmark the performance of experimental setups or to provide telecommand and control as well as data download for experimental satellite missions; 4) support infrastructure, which includes a dedicated dark fibre connection to the Tayside 5G Hub established by the Scotland 5G Centre as well as the core network. This connectivity will enable e.g.; research that addresses the integration of non-terrestrial networks into 5G and beyond; using SGSF as a terminal station in larger experimental setups involving a distributed ground segment; exending the scope of quantum communication experiments. SGSF is hosted at the Errol aerodrome, a favourable location for its quiet electromagnetic environment and wide field of view. The site benefits from an existing industrial satellite ground station and has recently been selected to host the EPSRC Quantum Communications Hub telescope, with which SGSF synergises. In order to ensure broad and fair engagement with users across academia and the industry, user engagement for SGSF is through the Scotland 5G Centre through a dedicated Busines Engagement Manager. In order to ensure ready access to the infrastructure and enable efficient setup for each experimental campaign, SGSF is staffed by an experienced Research Technologist. The facility is costed using the Transparent Approach to Costing (TRAC) and is widely accessible to all interested users.