We present ns-3-leo, a module for the discrete event network simulator ns-3, which includes models for the network mobility and link characteristics of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite mega-constellations. The initial goal has been to create a simulation environment in which existing routing protocols from the Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) and Mobile Ad-hoc Networks (MANETs) areas can be evaluated in these types of networks. To show its capabilities, we performed simulations of the planned satellite constellations of Starlink and Telesat based on publicly available parameters. Through simulations of Ad hoc On-demand Distance Vector Routing (AODV), we were able to gain valuable insights into the unique challenges presented to these protocols by satellite networks. It is unlikely that existing ad-hoc protocols using distance-vector routing or flooding can be used for broadband internet connectivity and alternative methods of handling large-scale mobility in these networks are needed. However, with ns-3- leo a much needed extension for supporting the development of protocols fulfilling the needs of satellite constellations is provided.

In recent decades, much work has been implemented in heart rate (HR) analysis using electrocardiographic (ECG) signals. We propose that algorithms developed to calculate HR based on detected R-peaks using ECG can be applied to seismocardiographic (SCG) signals, as they utilize common knowledge regarding heart rhythm and its underlying physiology. We implemented the experimental framework with methods developed for ECG signal processing and peak detection to be applied and evaluated on SCGs. Furthermore, we assessed and chose the best from all combinations of 15 peak detection and 6 preprocessing methods from the literature on the CEBS dataset available on Physionet. We then collected experimental data in the lab experiment to measure the applicability of the best-selected technique to the real-world data; the abovementioned method showed high precision for signals recorded during sitting rest (HR difference between SCG and ECG: 0.12 ± 0.35 bpm) and a moderate precision for signals recorded with interfering physical activity—reading out a book loud (HR difference between SCG and ECG: 6.45 ± 3.01 bpm) when compared to the results derived from the state-of-the-art photoplethysmographic (PPG) methods described in the literature. The study shows that computationally simple preprocessing and peak detection techniques initially developed for ECG could be utilized as the basis for HR detection on SCG, although they can be further improved.

This paper introduces Wireless Compose-2 (WICO2), which is an experiment for the International Space Station (ISS) in order to demonstrate the provision of a flexible and adaptable wireless network infrastructure integrated into a commodity item to conduct and execute low-power, low-weight and wireless experiments in the scientific and medical domain. Recent work revealed a great potential in utilizing Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) in space habitats; however, the focus was only placed on sensing in the narrowband Industrial Scientific and Medical (ISM) 2.45 GHz band. This work extends these capabilities by utilizing Impulse Radio Ultra Wideband (IR-UWB) for ranging and evaluates the use of internal light sources for energy harvesting to drive the sensor nodes. The focus of the WICO2 experiment is on the operation of the scientific experiment Ballistocardiography for Extraterrestrial Applications and long-Term missions (BEAT), which is a demonstration of novel Ballistocardiography (BCG) sensors to monitor important cardiovascular parameters in a microgravity environment. Integrated in a Smart-Shirt, it will form a Body Area Network and make use of the IR-UWB communication to transmit the data to the network. This paper describes the concept and pre-flight test results to demonstrate the correct function, usability and performance of WICO2.

In this paper, an extensive analysis of the resource-efficient PicoRV32 softcore, which implements the RISC-V instruction set, is performed. The focus of the analysis is on performance, energy efficiency and resource utilization. For this, both CoreMark and Embench are implemented as benchmark tools.In contrast to previous evaluations, a resource-constrained target platform (Low Power (LP) FPGA) is explicitly used for the evaluation, to demonstrate the applicability on very small embedded systems. Furthermore, all configurations of the softcore are investigated, which helps in the estimation and subsequent configuration of the softcore and reveals significant bottlenecks like memory interface.

In this demo paper the recently started project SatelLight is introduced at an early stage. SatelLight utilizes LiFi (Light Fidelity) as a novel approach for intra-satellite communication. In future, satellite harness (physical connection of the internal components) can be reduced, immune to internal and external EMC interference and possible fully autonomous operation of components can be enabled. In addition to the presentation of the project scope, this demo paper presents a first LiFi-Transceiver prototype, which will be used for reliable data transmission in the further course of the project.