STRADIUM: a telemetry&telecommand system for LDB flights

Abstract

STRADIUM LDB is a telemetry system for Long Duration Balloon flights realized by an Italian team in collaboration with the Italian Space Agency (ASI). It provides a near real time, bi-directional, continuous telemetry/telecommands link. It is composed of two sub-systems: a ”Primary” TM/TC module, for flight management and house-keeping data monitoring; a ”Scientific” TM/TC module for managing scientific data link. The communication system is based on the IRIDIUM satellite network; this choice permits to have full terrestrial coverage particularly for polar flights. However, the system design flexibility allows to use also other available communication networks. Another important feature of STRADIUM is the modular design, to satisfy requirements even when large and complex payloads are involved.