UWB Connectivity Inside a Space Launch Vehicle

Measurements of ultra-wideband (UWB) communications inside an Ariane 5 launcher are reported, assessing received signal power fluctuations and connectivity in the vehicle equipment bay. This environment is challenging due to shadowing and reflections. Our results highlight the relationship between the multipath delay spread and the UWB signal detection mechanism and indicate that UWB is a suitable candidate for radio connectivity inside launch vehicles.