A Study of Constellation for LEO Satellite Network

Abstract

For a LEO constellation system, it is important to optimize the orbit parameters to maximize the quality of communication service. At the Next-generation LEO System (NeLS) Research Center, the LEO parameters were evaluated for a mobile satellite communication system. A 2π constellation was selected to maintain a stable inter-satellite link (ISL). The performance of optical ISL terminals has since improved as a result of key technological developments at the NeLS Research Center. As a consequence, the constellation parameters for ISL have become more flexible. Furthermore, the ability of ground station to access two satellites has improved communication quality. In this paper, we address the optimum constellation parameters for dual-satellite coverage. An equation for determining the optimum inclination angle was derived from the constellation parameters. Moreover, by using the new constellation parameters, we found that the satellite network consists a bidirectional Manhattan Street Network (MSN). Nomenclature N = number of satellites of the Walker Notation P = number of orbital planes of the Walker Notation S = number of satellites in each orbital plane, S = N/P F = phasing factor of the Walker Notation I = inclination angle of the satellite orbit