Astromesh: Design, Implementation and Radiation Testing of a LoRa Meshed Network for use in Satellite Constellations

Recent advancements in meshed network technology have opened new possibilities in space exploration and particle accelerator applications. These networks offer increased communication redundancy, efficient data routing, and reduced reliance on terrestrial infrastructure. For the Future Circular Collider (FCC), where extreme radiation levels and extensive distances make traditional cabling impractical, wireless meshed networks could enable seamless communication across different accelerator sections.

CERN has developed Astromesh, an innovative modular platform, designed to create a decentralized, resilient mesh network. Astromesh uses LoRa Modulation for power efficiency and maximum coverage, employing a radiation-tolerant architecture with specialized electronics to ensure longevity in harsh environments. Supporting 868\,MHz, \ac{ISM} (2.4 GHz), and UWB (3.5 - 6.5 GHz) transceivers, the platform's modular design ensures versatility across different communication requirements.

This thesis presents a study structured around the following objectives. First, a literature review analyzing LoRa technology, meshed network architectures, hierarchical versus non-hierarchical topologies, radiation effects on electronics, and the operations of CERN radiation facilities. This review establishes the theoretical foundation and highlights the novelty of developing the first LoRa-based meshed network validated for radiation environments.

The core technical contribution involves the development of modular embedded software for the Astromesh platform, ensuring compatibility across the supported transceivers. This implementation enables flexible deployment across different communication scenarios while maintaining compatibility with 868 MHz, ISM, and UWB bands.

Experimental validation is performed through radiation testing at PSI and CHARM CERN facilities, comparing the performance and reliability of meshed network architectures against hierarchical LoRa networks under radiation. Additional tests include power consumption analysis to quantify functionality degradation and determine the advantages of decentralized approaches in harsh environments.

The final component comprises a mission analysis and link budget study for meshed network deployment in Low Earth Orbit, exploring different possible satellite constellation configurations. Detailed analysis will be performed for the 868 MHz and ISM bands to determine coverage capabilities and communication performance in space applications. This work contributes to next-generation space communication and high-energy physics by validating the first radiation-tolerant LoRa meshed network.