Space-time channel model for the analysis of LEO to ground Ka band data download links. Presentation of the model and applications

Abstract

This paper presents a model to simulate the propagation conditions on the data downlink between a non geostationary satellite and a network of ground stations operating at Ka band. It relies on a model to simulate meteorological fields in space and in time initially designed to evaluate the propagation impairments for fixed satellite system. After a brief description of the basics of the model, the adaptations made to adapt it to links between a non geostationary satellite and a ground station are presented. Lastly some examples of use of the results generated with the model are presented.

Sizing and optimization of high throughput radio-frequency data down link of earth observation satellites

“…Because of the very sparse availability of experimental data, simulated time series are used in replacement. For this study, synthetic time series of total attenuation covering a duration of 10years have been generated considering the simulation process described in . It is based on the methodology to generate space–time‐correlated attenuation fields depicted in .…”

“…Few actual propagation measurements of LEO (low earth orbit) to ground channels at Ka band are available up to now at the noteworthy exception of and . Therefore, to mitigate this lack of data, the modelling of this kind of propagation channel has been recently investigated in or . The methodology proposed in this paper for the sizing of the transmission chain of data downlink relies extensively on those simulated propagation conditions.…”