Analysis on the coverage performance and networking scheme of an MEO constellation

Abstract

Geostationary earth orbit (GEO) satellite orbit position resources have been scarce for a long time.The development of giant low-orbit satellite constellations has made the low-orbit resources unprecedentedly scarce.As a compromise between GEO and low earth orbit (LEO) constellations, the medium earth orbit (MEO) constellation will surely become a battle field for all countries.Referring to various MEO constellations in the world and our national conditions, a (6+4) MEO constellation was proposed.STK (Satellite Tool Kit) was used to simulate and analyze the constellation coverage performance, inter-satellite link characteristics, gateway site selection and coverage performance.Inter-orbit communication was realized through ground station relay, effectively avoiding various problems through inter-satellite links.The system was more simple and steady.It's much valuable in strategy in the circumstance of global low-orbit resources scarce.

Keywords

• MEO constellation;coverage performance;inter-orbit communication;networking scheme