NEXCODE - Next Generation Uplink Coding Techniques

This project is developed within the framework of ESA Technology Research Programme (TRP). This Activity investigates the performance improvement of the uplink (telecommand) for Science missions, both in near Earth and Deep Space scenarios, by introducing advanced coding techniques. The activity includes the study of the coding techniques performance bounds, analysis of suitable decoding algorithms and receiver enhancements (if needed) in order to fully exploit channel code potential gains and cope with lower SNR operative scenarios. The ultimate goal is to achieve a significant increase of the supported data rate and/or maximum distance.

CTTC main task is to identify current baseline transponder receiver bottlenecks and propose suitable enhancements where required. In particular, CTTC activity is developed within the framework of WP2000 and WP3000, dealing with carrier and subcarrier acquisition and tracking, symbol timing synchronization and demodulation and frame synchronization, as well as the performance evaluation of the receiver at the link level.