Pocketqube L-Band RFI detection payload

In the last decades, the number of wireless devices has notably increased, and improper RF filtering has resulted in an increase in Radio Frequency Interference (RFI). At L-band this is due to a plethora of reasons: from VHF/UHF harmonics, higher frequency band (e.g. WiFi boosters) emissions, or even intentional RFI created by Personal Privacy Devices (PPD), all these have resulted in a degradation of both Active and Passive Microwave Remote Sensing [1], [2]. Almost simultaneously, there has been an explosion of smallsats, notably following the CubeSat and PocketQube [3] form factors, both being excellent hands-on project topics for introducing students into the aerospace domain [4].In these circumstances, the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing (GRSS) Open PocketQube Kit [5] initiative was started. The goal is to develop a set of flight ready Picosatellites with Earth Observation payloads complete with assembly, integration and testing tutorials and video tutorials. Each of these PocketQubes, while identical in all other regards, will house different Remote Sensing oriented payloads. One of them, and the focus of this work, is a L-band (1-2 GHz) Radio Frequency Interference Monitor, notably for the L1, L2 and L5-bands of GNSS [6] systems, and the 1400-1427 Mhz band reserved for passive observations.
This payload has been developed as part of the IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society ”Open PocketQube Kit” educational initiative and it will be openly distributed when completed. Additionally, it was part of the project ”GENESIS: GNSS Environmental and Societal Missions – Subproject UPC”, Grant PID2021-126436OB-C21 funded by the Ministerio de Ciencia e Investigación (MCIN)/Agencia Estatal de Investigación (AEI)/10.13039/501100011033 and EU FEDER “Una manera de hacer Europa”.
Peer Reviewed
Postprint (author's final draft)