ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Astron. Space Sci.
Sec. Astronomical Instrumentation
A Novel Multiplexing Data Transmission Architecture: Multiplexing Modulator (MM) for Twin Remote Sensing Satellites
Provisionally accepted
Wenjie Zhao1,2*
Jianing Rao1,2*
Shuangxue Han1Wenyuan Jia1Jingxing Song1Wentao Dong1Zhenxing Dong1,2Xiaoyong Ma1Jing Wang1Man Xie1Yan Zhu1,2Junshe An1,2- 1National Space Science Center, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Beijing, China
- 2University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
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Abstract—This paper proposes a novel standalone engineering model for space data transmission - the Multiplexing Modulator (MM). In previous space missions, multiplexers and modulators operated as separate standalone units: multiplexers aggregated multiple low-rate signals into single high-rate streams to enhance channel efficiency, while modulators converted baseband signals into high-frequency carrier waves suitable for channel transmission. This paper integrates both functionalities into a unified Multiplexing Modulator (MM), achieving substantial spacecraft electronics consolidation. The integration reduces weight by over 40%, decreases volume by 35% compared to discrete units, and power consumption by over 25%. — all while maintaining space-grade reliability. The newly designed MM performs integrated processing of payload and telemetry data through multiplexing, storage, encryption, and X-band modulation before transmitting processed signals to ground stations via phased array antenna. Key innovations include 12Tbit massive storage capacity, multi-mode downlink capabilities, exceptional stability, high radiation tolerance, and ultra-low power consumption.
Keywords: Exceptional stability, High Radiation Tolerance, Massive Storage Capacity, Multiplexing Modulator, ultra-low power consumption
Received: 07 Jul 2025; Accepted: 17 Dec 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Zhao, Rao, Han, Jia, Song, Dong, Dong, Ma, Wang, Xie, Zhu and An. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence:
Wenjie Zhao
Jianing Rao
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