Analysis Of Wireless Networks for Satellite Swarm Missions*

Swarm missions are a promising approach for novel space applications, increasing operational robustness and flexibility. The communication within swarms is one main field of research in the project “BayKoSM - Bayerische Kompetenzen für Schwarm-Missionen”, which will make contributions to different technological areas of swarm missions. Swarms of small satellites in low earth orbits will be used to execute cooperative tasks. Hereby, new challenges to communication networks are arising which require investigation of specific protocols and communication devices. This paper analyses different communication and energy issues for an implementation of a swarm mission in space.