An Analysis of SDR-based ADS-B Receiver Performance for a Future Nanosatellite Payload

The Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) system has become an important technology of air traffic control in the future. Terrestrial-based ADS-B system serves as an alternative or supplementary system to radars. However, its implementation becomes impractical in remote, polar, and oceanic regions. To bridge this gap, space-based ADS-B emerges as an innovative solution, utilizing satellites to achieve global coverage and address the limitations of ground-based systems. This paper commences by examining the fundamental principle and relevant research concerning space-based ADS-B technology. Then, it presents the deployment of a terrestrial ADS-B receiver utilizing a novel software-defined radio (Totem SDR) platform specifically designed for space applications. The project aims to evaluate the receiver’s performance and effectiveness through ground-based testing, with the ultimate goal of integrating it as an SDR payload for an upcoming 3U university nanosatellite mission.