Puri Satellite Ground Network

Overview

The Puri Satellite Ground Network (PSGN) is an administrative unit within the Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT) that leverages connections to the Virginia Tech Ground Station, Wallops Flight Facility, and the Virginia Ground Station Network to support communications needs for spacecraft missions.

Organizations external to Virginia Tech are invited to contact PSGN personnel to discuss their satellite communications needs.

Overview of PSGN’s connections to various communication networks and systems in Virginia.

Current Supported Projects

Lead for communications planning and coordination for the Northrop Grumman-18 (NG-18) Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) mission. The NG-18 VLEO mission is comprised of VSCP-1A (SeaLion from ODU & USCGA) and VSCP-1B (UtProSat-1 from VT), both of which are 3U cubesats deployed off the second stage of the Antares Launch Vehicle. The communication planning involves coordinating multiple university and federal ground station facilities.

About the Puri Satellite Ground Network

About PSGN

The Puri Satellite Ground Network, or PSGN, is much more than a collection of ground stations. It is a way for programs to find solutions to satellite communications for commanding and monitoring the health and safety of spacecraft orbiting Earth. The PSGN also enables experiental learning (hands-on, minds-on) for Virginia Tech students.

Education

Working with Virginia Tech Research and Academic Faculty, Virginia Tech students gain experience in satellite communications as well as data processing, decoding and distribution. The PSGN also works closely with the Virginia Tech Ground Station's (VTGS) amateur radio satellite systems to provide educational opprotunities with amateur radio satellites. Several senior design teams and other student design teams have been supported.

Outreach

The PSGN partners with universities and other organizations to deliver satellite communication solutions across a range of satellite classes and mission.

Research

As an R1 university, Virginia Tech is always looking at novel and cutting edge solutions to common problems and this extends to the PSGN. Research interests include distributed ground station networks, orbit determinations by phased arrays, software defined radio (SDR) modulation/demodulation development, and phased arrays for satellite communications.

The Puri Satellite Ground Network (PSGN) was established in March 2021 following a generous donation from Amit and Kim Puri. Initially, PSGN was formed as an administrative unit within the Center for Space Science and Engineering Research (Space@VT), providing foundational support for advancing satellite communications research, education, and outreach.

PSGN Locations

All current PSGN locations are within Blacksburg, VA, which is located within a semi-mountainous region of the Appalachian Mountains.