SATCOM-3D

A real-time augmented reality application for visualizing beamforming from a satellite dish in non-terrestrial networks (STARLINK) using Microsoft HoloLens 2.

Overview

This project implements an AR application that provides real-time visualization of satellite communications and beamforming patterns. The application simulates Starlink satellites and visualizes the beamforming behavior of phased array antennas in three-dimensional space using augmented reality.

Key Features

• Real-time Satellite Tracking: SGP4 algorithm implementation for precise satellite position calculation
• 3D Beamforming Visualization: Visualization of antenna radiation patterns
• AR Marker Tracking: Precise positioning using Vuforia Engine
• TLE Data Management: Support for Two-Line Element sets using space-track.org's API
• Interactive User Interface: Intuitive controls for simulation parameters

Target Hardware

• Microsoft HoloLens 2

Simulation Parameters

• Satellite Constellation: Starlink (tested with 7,363 satellites)
• Array Antenna: Starlink High Performance Array (up to 1,280 elements)
• Operating Frequency: 12 GHz
• Update Rate: 5 Hz for satellite positions
• Beamforming Resolution: 1° (360 azimuth × 180 elevation samples)

Requirements

Development Environment

• Unity Engine: 2022.3.35f1
• Microsoft Visual Studio Community 2022
• Vuforia Engine: 11.1.3
• Mixed Reality Toolkit 3 (MRTK3)

Unity Modules Required

• Universal Windows Platform Build Support
• Windows Build Support (IL2CPP)

Installation

1. Clone Repository

git clone [repository-url]
cd Beamforming

2. Unity Setup

1. Open Unity Hub
2. Add project from disk
3. Ensure Unity version 2022.3.35f1 is installed
4. Open the project

3. Visual Studio Configuration

1. Import the .vsconfig file into Visual Studio 2022
2. This will automatically install all necessary packages and components required for HoloLens development

4. Vuforia Setup

1. Ensure Vuforia Engine version 11.1.3 is installed
2. Configure Vuforia license key in Unity project settings

5. MRTK3 Configuration

1. MRTK3 should be automatically configured with the project
2. Verify Mixed Reality Toolkit settings are properly applied

Usage

Basic Operation

1. Deploy application to HoloLens 2
2. Place AR marker: Print and place the QR code in the physical environment
3. Use hand gestures to interact with the UI
4. Configure observer coordinates (latitude/longitude)
5. Execute the orientation - user has to face the true north
6. Start simulation to begin real-time visualization

📄 License

This project is licensed under the GNU General Public License v3.0 - see the LICENSE file for details.