Continuous ISL and Satellite Diversity in a Satellite Constellation

Ryutaro SUZUKI  

Publication
IEICE TRANSACTIONS on Communications   Vol.E87-B   No.8   pp.2132-2141
Publication Date: 2004/08/01
Online ISSN: 
DOI: 
Print ISSN: 0916-8516
Type of Manuscript: Special Section PAPER (Special Section on Recent Fundamental Technologies for Broadband Satellite Communications)
Category: 
Keyword: 
LEO,  constellation,  satellite diversity,  optical ISL,  MSN,  

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Summary: 
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). An elevation angle above 20 degrees was required for a service area of 70 degree of latitude. 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 of a bi-directional Manhattan Street Network (MSN), and the ISL network structure was improved.