OrbitLink Consulting
Unlocking the Potential of Spacecraft Control and Communications
Expert consulting in precision attitude determination, adaptive control systems, and advanced RF payloads for next-generation spacecraft missions.
What We Do
Our Services
Specializing in space systems, we offer a range of consulting services to assist clients in developing and optimizing their spacecraft missions.
Attitude Determination & Control
Precision ADCS design for optimal spacecraft pointing accuracy and stability using advanced sensor fusion techniques.
Advanced RF Payloads
Design and development of cutting-edge RF payloads for earth observation satellites and communication systems.
Adaptive Control Systems
Robust adaptive control algorithms for autonomous spacecraft operations in dynamic environments.
Mission Operations
End-to-end mission support from conceptual design through launch and on-orbit operations.
Satellite Communications
Design and optimization of satellite communication links, ground stations, and network architectures.
AI / ML Solutions
Extensive experience in the design, development, and deployment of frontier-level AI solutions with real-world application.
Complex RF Circuit Design
Custom RF and mixed-signal boards from schematic through layout, including S-band transceivers, wideband SDR receivers, and part selection for defense supply chains.
Hardware
Circuit Boards
Board designs from OrbitLink, available for quote. Each product page lists the key specifications and features.
Defense-Aligned Supply Chain
Designed for defense programs and primes that have to answer for where their electronics come from. These boards use no parts from PRC-headquartered manufacturers.
Defense-Aligned
DSDR Wideband SDR Receiver
Standalone SDR receiver from HF through 1.7 GHz that digitizes, converts to I/Q and streams over Wi-Fi 6 or USB.
Defense-Aligned
USA32 Development Board
Wi-Fi 6 development board that fits the ESP32-S3-DevKitC-1 headers, built around the u-blox IRIS-W106.
Defense-Aligned
S-band Radio Module
5 W full-duplex CCSDS radio for aerospace and space applications, on Ethernet and a 15-40 V bus. Space-rated variant available.
Defense-aligned describes design and part selection. It is not a certification or a claim of NDAA, TAA or DFARS compliance, or of MIL-STD qualification. Some parts from approved makers may be manufactured in PRC plants. Compliance depends on the fabricator, assembler and part lots for each order and on the requirements in your contract, and we will work through them with you when quoting.
Commercial & Development Boards
S-band PC/104 Radio
Tunable full-duplex radio for aerospace and space applications, on a CubeSat PC/104 card from 1U up, covering 2.0 to 2.5 GHz. Space-rated variant available.
ESP32Radio Networked SDR
RTL2832U and R860 receiver with an ESP32-P4 host that serves rtl_tcp and a web UI over Wi-Fi, or works as a PC SDR over USB.
G-5500 Rotor Controller
Connects a Yaesu G-5500 rotator to OrbitLink Ground Station, Gpredict and your network, with GS-232B, EasyComm II, a web UI and a REST API.
ESP32-C6 Development Board
Breadboard-friendly board on the bare ESP32-C6 chip, with LiPo charging, microSD, Qwiic and a choice of PCB antenna or u.FL.
Available for US Government use and as evaluation kits for product developers, software developers and system integrators. Export may be restricted under US export control regulations.
Software Tools
Applications
Aerospace software tools developed by OrbitLink for mission analysis, visualization, and dynamic system simulation.
Coverage Analysis Tool
Comprehensive satellite coverage analysis software for mission planning and ground station optimization.
Contact us for access to this application.
Real-Time Aerospace Visualizer
Advanced 3D visualization platform for real-time spacecraft trajectory simulation and telemetry display.
Contact us for access to this application.
OrbitLink Ground Station
Mission control software for satellite ground station operations with antenna tracking and command processing.
Contact us for access to this application.
LibreSim
A free, open-source, web-based visual modeling tool for building and simulating dynamic systems with real-time scope visualization.
What's New
News & Events
The latest updates, conference presentations, and company news from OrbitLink Consulting.
AIAA SciTech 2026
Dr. Nixon presented "Fine-Tuning Large Language Models for Nonlinear Dynamics" at the AIAA SciTech Forum in Orlando, FL.
View PublicationsAIAA Best Paper Award
Received the Best Paper Award for "Adaptive Double-Layer Continuous Super-Twisting Control of a Satellite Formation" at AIAA SciTech 2021.
Read the PaperKestrelEye Launch
Supported the successful deployment of the KestrelEye satellite from the International Space Station, demonstrating low-cost Earth observation capabilities.
Insights
Articles
Technical articles and insights on spacecraft control, communication systems, and aerospace engineering.
Sun 05 April 2026
Simulating Artemis II: What a Free-Return Trajectory Actually Looks Like
Artemis II will carry astronauts around the Moon for the first time since Apollo 17 in 1972. Before that happens, the trajectory has to work. "Work" means threading a very specific needle between...
Read MoreMon 28 July 2025
What are dual quaternions?
Introduction The world of mathematics is a place of boundless beauty and wonder, where abstract concepts take on a life of their own and reveal hidden truths about the universe around us. Through...
Read MoreFri 14 March 2025
The Role of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Space Systems Development
Autonomous Operations One of the biggest advantages of AI and ML in space systems development is the ability to automate and streamline operations. Autonomous systems can perform tasks with...
Read MoreFri 17 January 2025
Advanced RF Payloads for Earth Observation Satellites
Introduction Earth observation satellites have become an essential tool for monitoring and studying the earth's environment, climate, and natural resources. These satellites are typically equipped...
Read MoreAbout Us
OrbitLink Consulting
Mason Nixon, Ph.D.
Founder & Principal Consultant
OrbitLink Consulting is dedicated to providing innovative solutions for spacecraft control and communication needs. Our company was founded by Dr. Mason Nixon, a highly respected professional with over 17 years of experience in the aerospace industry.
With expertise spanning adaptive sliding mode control, satellite formation flying, CubeSat technologies, and advanced RF systems, we bring deep technical knowledge to every project.
At our core, we believe in excellence, integrity, and customer satisfaction. Let us help you achieve your goals in space.
17+
Years Experience
19+
Publications
10+
Missions Supported
15
On-Orbit Spacecraft Supported
Flight-Proven Expertise
Our team has hands-on experience with spacecraft hardware through all phases of development, from design and integration to environmental testing and launch operations.
Satellite hardware during vibration qualification testing, one of the critical milestones in preparing spacecraft for the harsh launch environment.
Get In Touch
Contact Us Today
Expert consulting services for advanced space technologies. Fill out the form to get a quote.
Location
Huntsville, Alabama