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Radio Specifications

LMR Software and Control

DSP and Noise Correction

   The Communications and Software Team of Mission 2004 has faced and successfully dealt with issues regarding the transmission and reception of data from any launched apparatus to Mission Control and vice versa. In doing so we have developed a system of satellites designed to maintain constant contact between Earth and Mars despite the respective rotations of those planets. Furthermore, we have outlined how the astronauts and the robots will interact with one another via radio transmission. The astronauts and robots will also be able to communicate via satellite if it becomes necessary.  Finally, we have made programs for the rover control  and noise protection algorithms that will ensure that any sent data will be received in a readable state.
   Many complications were faced as communication and software plans were made for this mission.  The distance and pure volume of needed transmissions were daunting, but have been handled well.  Since the information returning to Earth will be data and transmissions concerning the astronauts, it is necessary that it have a small amount of data loss.  The choice of bandwidth was easy due to restriction caused by the distance being traveled, available bands (non-commercial), and reliability. Satellite hardware was also not a difficult choice.
    One major problem encountered was that of communication on the Martian surface.  The LMRs will be traveling great distance and sending data back to the main base.  However, the LMRs only have 16 available watts of power, making direct transmission to the satellites in orbit around Mars impossible.  The idea of relays was extensively researched and discussed without any satisfactory conclusion being reached.  The robotics team eventually came up with the idea of medium sized rovers with the capability to transmit to the satellite.  The rovers will move in a convoy that allows to LMRs to remain in contact with the medium sized rover, thus providing communication to the main base. 
    Another challenge was that of protecting the data during transmission.  The decision has been made to use Reed-Solomon data protection codes to remove noise.  These codes was chosen above others for its abilities and its proven quality.
    The usual problem of funding has not been a large problem in this mission.  We have a reasonable budget that should more than allow for any purchases and retrofitting that is needed.  Multiple flights within the mission were also highly discussed.  Two flights were decided upon, but a third flight will now be made separately for the satellites due to weight constraints.  This flight will proceed the others and allow for the communications to be functioning before the rest of the mission arrives.
    Although there were many communication and software challenges to be faced in the planning of this mission, there is now a concrete plan that will provide safe and reliable transmission of data.

Authors: Victoria Davis and David Broniatowski