CubeSat Communication Subsystem Simulation using GMSK Modulation Technique

The introduction of CubeSats, a small spacecraft with sizes ranging from 1U to 3U, has contributed to the rapid spread of hands-on satellite applications in today's world. CubeSats can be used for a wide range of space activities, including communication and observation. The major goal of this project was to create a Gaussian Minimum Shift Keying (GMSK) modulator using GNU Radio, an open-source program for communication and radio systems, as a study simulation for the CubeSat communication subsystem. The research sought to assess the efficacy of GMSK modulation in the UHF band (400MHz - 520MHz) using five key parameters: in-phase, quadrature, frequency offset, phase offset, and amplitude. The approach entailed simulating the system architecture using GNU Radio's capabilities, allowing for the emulation of real-time hardware implementation scenarios and evaluating the effectiveness of GMSK modulation without the use of physical hardware components. The desired outcome was to achieve positive results proving the appropriateness of GMSK modulation for CubeSat communication systems. The data reveal that GMSK modulation produces positive results, supporting its prospective use in CubeSat communication subsystems. This abstract under-lines the importance of simulation-based research in enhancing CubeSat communication subsystems, which will provide valuable insights for future satellite communication initiatives.