Automated testing of low-orbiting satellites

This paper describes the hardware, software, and test procedures implemented at a ground station for the automated testing of a polar-orbiting satellite in a low orbit. The satellite passes during the testing were characterized by short visibility times of no more than 18 min and by high rates of change of the link parameters as seen by the ground station. The advantages of automated testing became apparent for these dynamic conditions. Under computer control throughout the pass, programmable test instruments were commanded and data was collected and stored. Data reduction was performed after the pass.