Monopulse auto-tracking architecture based on a PSO algorithm for Oran ground station experimented with satellite ALSAT-2B

Abstract This article presents the implementation of a new monopulse auto-tracking architecture at the Oran ground station (GS). This architecture is based on a metaheuristic particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm, which measures and adjusts the Q(R) summation associated with the satellite’s main beam direction to ensure optimal synchronisation between the GS and the satellite in terms of antenna pointing. This implementation was validated through practical tests during ALSAT-2B satellite flybys, comprising two distinct scenarios. In the first scenario, the satellite captures new images while simultaneously transmitting data from previously recorded images, thus leading to a misalignment between its antenna and the GS. The second scenario focused solely on data transmission; the satellite being directly aligned with the GS. The results indicate that the pointing error accuracy remains below 0.6 degrees, in accordance with the nominal specifications, thereby enhancing communication performance with a higher received signal level of −55 dBm, which resulted in no loss of images.