Mighty-Satellite-Ground-Station/README.md

# Mighty Satellite Ground Station

***DRAFT***

The Mighty Satellite Ground Station (MSGS) is a libre,
heavy duty, extra features design for tracking satellites.

![Might Satellite Ground Station Green Heron RT-21 and Alfa Spid RAS](img/greenheron-alfaspid.png)


MSGS is intended for use with the Libre Space Foundation's SatNOGS network,
and is based on their freely available files.

MSGS is a more robust version of the earlier
Satellite Ground Station, documents available here:

* https://spacecruft.org/spacecruft/satellite-ground-station


# Spacecruft SatNOGS Ground Station
Occassionally it is on a webcam stream:

* https://spacecruft.tv


# Overview
Designed for artificial satellite tracking.

* Libre.
* Heavy duty.
* Completely documented design listing all parts and sources
  from Antennas to Zipties.
* All commodity-off-the-shelf (COTS) parts generally available in
  North American markets.
* Requires no special tools or skills to assemble.
  Just needs two adjustable wrenches, a screwdriver, and wire cutters.
* VHF and UHF antennas on crossboom.
* Software defined radio (SDR).
* Az/El rotator optimized for satellite tracking.
* 24/7/365 outdoor operation.
* Relatively low cost, but parts selected for quick deployment not price
  (e.g. no Arduino hacking, no soldering, no drilling, etc.
   which could lower price).
* Indoor computer and controllers.
* 110V AC power (e.g. not a solar system).
* Quick and easy mast deployment.
* Non-permanent mount, which can be easily moved.
* All parts shipping via courier (UPS, FedEx), no freight required.
* Easily serviced, upgraded, modified.


# Bill of Materials
The core document is the Mighty Satellite Ground Station Bill of Materials (BoM).
It is a spreadsheet in Libre Office format.

* [Mighty Satellite Ground Station Bill of Materials](docs/bill-of-materials/Mighty-Satellite-Ground-Station.ods)


# Cable Harnesses Version Two
See `docs/harness` for wire harness diagram source.

![Diagram of the azimuth controller harness.](img/2-harness-controller-az.png)
*Diagram of the azimuth controller harness.*

![Diagram of the azimuth main harness.](img/2-harness-main-az.png)
*Diagram of the azimuth main harness.*

![Diagram of the azimuth rotator harness.](img/2-harness-rotator-az.png)
*Diagram of the azimuth rotator harness.*

![Diagram of the elevation controller harness.](img/2-harness-controller-el.png)
*Diagram of the elevation controller harness.*

![Diagram of the elevation main harness.](img/2-harness-main-el.png)
*Diagram of the elevation main harness.*

![Diagram of the elevation rotator harness.](img/2-harness-rotator-el.png)
*Diagram of the elevation rotator harness.*


# SatNOGS
*A global network of satellite ground stations, designed as an open source
participatory project.*

* SatNOGS Website --- https://satnogs.org/
* SatNOGS Network --- https://network.satnogs.org/

The base design comes from the Libre Space Foundation.
The present design adds review of other designs in the SatNOGS network
and feedback from the #SatNOGS Matrix channel.

Upstream docs:

* SatNOGS Introduction --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Introduction
* SatNOGS Ground Station Build Overview --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Build
* Ground Stations --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Ground_Stations
* Raspberry Pi --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Raspberry_Pi
* Antennas --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Antennas
* Software Defined Radio (SDR) --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Software_Defined_Radio
* Papers --- https://wiki.satnogs.org/Academic_Papers


# TODO

* Update to Green Heron RT-21.
* Update to Alfa Spid RAS.


# Copyright
Unofficial project, not part of official Libre Space Foundation software or
website. Upstream sources under their respective copyrights.

License: CC By SA 4.0 International and/or GPLv3+ at your discretion.

*Copyright © 2022, Jeff Moe.*