Link adaptation for Ka band low Earth orbit Earth Observation systems: A realistic performance assessment

TLDR

The paper proposes to realistically assess the throughput advantage of link‑adaptation strategies in Ka‑band LEO Earth‑Observation systems compared to the non‑adaptive transmission used in conventional X‑band EO systems. The study examines constant, static/dynamic variable, and adaptive coding‑and‑modulation schemes, incorporating realistic orbital, ground‑station, spacecraft, propagation, physical‑layer, and system‑implementation characteristics. Results show that link adaptation can deliver up to a 100 % increase in throughput under certain conditions relative to non‑adaptive transmission. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Abstract

SUMMARY In this paper, a proposal is sketched for realizing high data rate downlinks in next‐generation Ka band low Earth orbit (LEO) Earth Observation (EO) systems. The work aims at realistically assessing the throughput advantage stemming from link adaptation strategies—embraced by most wireless and satellite communication standards—compared with non‐adaptive transmission, which is the approach followed in conventional X band EO systems. The transmission strategies examined include constant, (static and dynamic) variable, and adaptive flavors of coding and modulation, each representing a different performance/system complexity trade‐off. Practicality is pursued to the extent possible by incorporating state‐of‐the‐art orbital, ground station, spacecraft, propagation, physical layer, and system implementation characteristics. The results manifest that under particular conditions, link adaptation offers throughput improvements of up to 100% against non‐adaptive transmission schemes in Ka band LEO EO systems. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.