Is this project an undergraduate, graduate, or faculty project?
Undergraduate
Project Type
group
Campus
Daytona Beach
Authors' Class Standing
Aidan Panter, Senior Ayse Okatan Spencer Richter Carson Frankovic Faheem Khan Eldon Crossett Oleg Sugatov Dylan Hardt
Lead Presenter's Name
Aidan Panter
Lead Presenter's College
DB College of Engineering
Faculty Mentor Name
Fan Yang
Abstract
Conventional UAV navigation and control systems rely on short-range RF communication, imposing significant limitations on operational range, real-time control capabilities, and autonomous mission execution beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). While existing research addresses regulatory frameworks, communication relay strategies, and positioning optimization for extended-range operations, a comprehensive and cost-effective solution integrating satellite-based Internet connectivity with web-accessible control remains absent from the literature. This project develops a Starlink-based navigation and control system for fixed-wing UAVs that overcomes traditional range constraints through low-earth orbit satellite and cell network connectivity. The system integrates a Starlink terminal with an onboard flight computer running custom flight controller software, establishing continuous bidirectional communication with a ground station infrastructure over the internet. A web-based interface built on a ReactJS frontend and GoLang backend with Azure SQL database integration provides real-time telemetry monitoring and command transmission accessible globally from any Internet-connected device. Anticipated results include successful demonstration of reliable command and telemetry links at operational ranges exceeding traditional RF limitations, with latency characteristics suitable for real-time navigation and control. System validation will assess communication reliability, response times, and overall mission capability under different flight conditions. The proposed architecture addresses the critical gap between current commercial drone limitations and emerging demands for extended-range autonomous operations. By leveraging commercially available satellite Internet infrastructure, this framework offers a scalable, adaptable solution for BVLOS UAV missions applicable to applications including infrastructure inspection, agricultural monitoring, and emergency response operations.
Did this research project receive funding support (Spark, SURF, Research Abroad, Student Internal Grants, Collaborative, Climbing, or Ignite Grants) from the Office of Undergraduate Research?
Yes, Spark Grant
Included in
Aeronautical Vehicles Commons, Management and Operations Commons, Navigation, Guidance, Control and Dynamics Commons
Starlink-Based Navigation System for Fixed-Wing UAV
Conventional UAV navigation and control systems rely on short-range RF communication, imposing significant limitations on operational range, real-time control capabilities, and autonomous mission execution beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). While existing research addresses regulatory frameworks, communication relay strategies, and positioning optimization for extended-range operations, a comprehensive and cost-effective solution integrating satellite-based Internet connectivity with web-accessible control remains absent from the literature. This project develops a Starlink-based navigation and control system for fixed-wing UAVs that overcomes traditional range constraints through low-earth orbit satellite and cell network connectivity. The system integrates a Starlink terminal with an onboard flight computer running custom flight controller software, establishing continuous bidirectional communication with a ground station infrastructure over the internet. A web-based interface built on a ReactJS frontend and GoLang backend with Azure SQL database integration provides real-time telemetry monitoring and command transmission accessible globally from any Internet-connected device. Anticipated results include successful demonstration of reliable command and telemetry links at operational ranges exceeding traditional RF limitations, with latency characteristics suitable for real-time navigation and control. System validation will assess communication reliability, response times, and overall mission capability under different flight conditions. The proposed architecture addresses the critical gap between current commercial drone limitations and emerging demands for extended-range autonomous operations. By leveraging commercially available satellite Internet infrastructure, this framework offers a scalable, adaptable solution for BVLOS UAV missions applicable to applications including infrastructure inspection, agricultural monitoring, and emergency response operations.