Research Overview
I was born in Kolkata, India, and I hold a bachelor’s degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from BITS Pilani Campus. I gained valuable industry experience through internships and work experience, including contributing to open-source space ecosystem projects via Google Summer of Code and interning at Samsung R&D in Bangalore. After spending a year working as a Software Engineer, I am now pursuing a PhD at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, UK, under the supervision of Dr. Spyros Daskalakis and Dr. George Goussetis. My research focuses on autonomous systems, independent subsystem creation, and testbeds for flat sat implementation. My interests also include IoT, software-defined radio, satellite communications, quantum computing, and open-source software development.
Publications
"Open Source Python Implementation Of CCSDS File Delivery Protocol To Support File-Based Operations" (ACCEPTED)
Shayan Majumder, Artur Scholz , George Goussetis and Spyridon Nektarios Daskalakis
2025 IEEE International Conference on Communications 8–12 June 2025 ,Montreal, Canada (IEEE ICC)
The Consultative Committee for Space Data Systems (CCSDS) File Delivery Protocol (CFDP) enables reliable file transfer across space communication links that experience interruptions and delays, supporting diverse transfer modes with minimal human intervention. This paper presents an open-source Python library implementing CFDP, following guidelines from the CCSDS Blue Book. To date, this library is the only fully functional CFDP implementation in Python and is among the first open-source versions available. Developed in Python 3, with compatibility for MicroPython for low-power applications, the library supports both Class 1 (unreliable) and Class 2 (reliable) file transfers, using Zero Message Queue (ZMQ), CCSDS Space Packet Protocol, and User Datagram Protocol (UDP) for transport and network layers. An extendable virtual file store is included to support various data storage options. Full CCSDS compliance has been validated through cross-testing with the European Space Agency (ESA) CFDP implementation. A graphical user interface (GUI) enhances usability for nontechnical users, supplementing the command-line interface. This open-source CFDP library is ideal for space and terrestrial file transfers and is increasingly valuable for file-based operations in space missions.
"Beyond Cellular: Smartwatches with Satellite Communication for Critical Health Alerts"
Shayan Majumder, Spyridon Nektarios Daskalakis , George Goussetis and Julian Birk
2025 Health and Care Innovation Conference for Early Career Researchers, Heriot Watt University
Access to emergency communication and healthcare in remote locations can be life-saving. Our research explores how smartwatches can use satellite-based communication to send critical health updates and SOS messages when mobile networks are unavailable. We integrate a special long-range wireless technology called Long Range Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum (LR-FHSS), which allows the smartwatch to communicate over vast distances using satellites. Unlike traditional mobile networks that rely on towers, this system works even in remote areas, during natural disasters, or when infrastructure fails. It is particularly useful for hikers, emergency responders, and people living in rural or isolated regions. Our smartwatch is built on an open-source platform called ZSWatch and runs on Zephyr Real-Time Operating System (RTOS), ensuring efficient battery use. It continuously tracks health data, detects emergencies, and alerts caregivers or emergency services when needed. This makes it valuable for older adults, patients with medical conditions, and people working in hazardous environments. By bringing satellite connectivity to wearable devices, this innovation enhances telemedicine, outdoor safety, and remote patient care, ensuring people stay connected and safe, no matter where they are.
"Technology Development for a Cost Effective SCOM on the Move System for LEO Satellite Constellations"
Adán Simón*, Samuel Rotenberg, Shayan Majumder, Jayakrishnan M. Purushothama , Spyridon Daskalakis, and George Goussetis
2025 International Union of Radio Science, UK panel
Low earth orbit constellations offer lower latency, greater resilience to space phenomena, and increased affordability compared to geosynchronous earth orbit and medium earth orbit satellites Consequently, LEO satellite communication on the move terminals is becoming attractive, particularly for enhancing 5 G and upcoming 6 G services in rural areas, where deploying classic terrestrial networks are both technically challenging and expensive 1 SCOM terminals are crucial for tracking LEO satellites and range from fully mechanical to electronically scanned systems Towards scanning speed and efficiency, choice of phased array antennas offers a compact solution with excellent scanning performance, high gain, superior radiation patterns, and multibeam capability. However, these advantages come at a relatively higher cost of RF electronic components, like phase shifters, power amplifiers, low noise amplifiers, and similar Therefore, hybrid integrated capabilities can be a balanced solution for maintaining performance and reducing RF components costs In this study we propose an integrated and cost effective SCOM on the move system featuring electronic scanning in the elevation plane, facilitated by a flat panel leaky wave antenna array adapted to an optimised version from folded substrate integrated waveguide antenna array, previously proposed in 3 with a mechanical scanning functionality in the azimuth plane Link budget calculation 4 and block diagram of this architecture is depicted in the Far field pattern measurements were conducted using an NSI™ nearfield measurement system, yielding accurate results from 10-5 GHz These advancements will significantly improve performance, demonstrating strong potential for future satellite communication applications.
"Optimizing UAV Swarm Communication in Urban Scenarios: An Enhanced Fuzzy LEACH Algorithm-Based Approach"
Shayan Majumder, Sandeep Joshi
2023 IEEE International Conference on Advanced Networks and Telecommunications Systems (ANTS), 726-731
With the growing role of UAV swarms in urban applications, this paper introduces an enhanced low-energy adaptive clustering hierarchy (LEACH) algorithm for reliable UAV swarm communication. The cluster head selection considers parameters like cluster size, base station proximity, battery level, and line-of-sight, which improves packet delivery and extends operational duration. A two-level hierarchy involving a line-of-sight base station ensures optimal link performance.
"Design and Development of a High-Speed Communication System for a LEO Nano Satellite"
Shayan Majumder, Hrishit Tambi, Karan Mathur, Pranay Putrevu, Hariharan Venkat
72nd International Astronautical Congress 2021, 25-29 October 2021, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Addressing the challenges of high-data-rate CubeSat communications within power and processing constraints, this paper details the architecture and simulation of an S-Band/UHF system for telemetry and telecommand in a 3U Nano Satellite. The system utilizes CCSDS frames with FEC coding to enhance data reliability and features dynamic link budgeting to adapt to varying signal conditions.
"Testing and Implementation of Communication Subsystem of a 3U CubeSat using Software-Defined Radio"
Hrishit Tambia, Shayan Majumder, Ishan Khare, Rishabh Hulsurkar, Karan Mathur
72nd International Astronautical Congress 2021, 25-29 October 2021, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This paper presents the development of a flexible, high-speed communication subsystem for CubeSats using software-defined radio. The subsystem is tested using emulators to simulate realistic conditions and includes GNU Radio for signal processing, aligning with the mission objectives of Team Anant’s CubeSat project at BITS Pilani.
Standards Development and Protocols
I have actively contributed to standardizing open-source space protocols, including CCSDS File Delivery Protocol, Unified Space Data Link Protocol (USLP), CCSDS TM/TC, and CCSDS Space Link. I am a member of the LibreCube a non profit registered in Germany and works on developing secure, interoperable communication systems for space missions.