Two-Leg Deep-Space Relay Architectures: Performance, Challenges, and Perspectives

In this article, architectures for interplanetary communications that feature the use of a data relay are investigated. considered “two-leg” architecture, spacecraft orbiting Earth, or in orbit at Lagrange point, receives from deep-space probe (leg-1) and relays them toward ground (leg-2). Different wireless technologies link, namely, radio frequencies above Ka band optical frequencies, considered. Moreover, cases transparent regenerative relaying as well different orbital configurations addressed, offering thorough analysis such systems viewpoints. Results show that, under certain constraints terms pointing accuracy onboard antenna size, adoption two-leg architecture can achieve rates supported by direct space-to-Earth link with remarkably smaller station antennas.