Full functional test, data management, machine learning and automatization of the Cubesat Control Centre: moving towards the operations phase of an educational ground station

In recent years, the accessibility of CubeSat missions has significantly improved, yet operational autonomy remains a challenge for many university teams. The CubeSat Team Polito at Politecnico di Torino continues to address this by further developing its CubeSat Control Centre (C3), an in-house ground station designed for end-to-end satellite mission operations. Building on the previous phase, this work presents the latest advancements, focusing on the installation of the antenna system on the roof of Politecnico di Torino, full functional and performance testing, and the development towards an automated ground station. Following the successful integration of key RF subsystems, the installation of the antenna array marks a critical milestone in C3’s evolution. Performance tests have been conducted to evaluate system efficiency, interference levels, and communication reliability under real operational conditions. Signal reception and tracking accuracy have been assessed using Software Defined Radios and calibrated test signals, ensuring optimal functionality. Additionally, considering the future difficulties in accessing the station during the satellite passes, the automation of the station becomes a priority to allow a continuous flow of data to the ground to continuously monitor the satellite. Moreover, in case of missing scientific data in some passes, the gaps will be covered using machine learning algorithms. While waiting for the launching of the team’s satellite under development, ELECTRA, these operations and testing phases will be done using meteorological satellites in LEO operating in S-Band such as NOAA and METEOR. Beyond technical progress, the project remains a valuable educational tool, allowing students to gain hands-on experience in system integration, validation procedures, and ground station operations. Best practices for managing complex test campaigns and engaging students in hands-on experimental learning are also discussed. This paper builds on the lessons learned from the development of C3 for VHF, UHF and S-bands work and the new steps towards an autonomous system. This represents a step forward in establishing a fully continuously operational, student-driven ground station, reinforcing Politecnico di Torino’s role in university-led space missions.