Space Based Signal Processing to Enhance the Detection and Relay of Ground Originated Signals

Many signals originating from low powered ground terminals may be observed from a space platform. Significant losses can occur through relaying the raw signals to ground; signal processing on-board the satellite can enhance detection and identification of signals of interest. Interference cancellation using Multi-User Decoding (MUD) techniques further improves sensitivity and is effective at maximising coverage over wide areas. Sophisticated algorithms and intelligent filtering of information for relay back to the ground are needed, however increasingly powerful on-board processing capability and incorporation of Software Defined Radio (SDR) architectures in space are key enablers. This paper considers potential benefits of this approach in terms of maximum information rate achievable from ground terminals.