Having discerned a suitable satellite constellation for coverage over specific user-defined regions of interest in part two, part three will see us compute a conjunction analysis for the proposed LEO constellation.
In part one of this satellite design series, we explored the modelling of a physics accurate RF Comms link between ground facility and LEO satellite. However, rarely do modern LEO satellites work in isolation. Instead, they work as part of a larger constellation, continuously exchanging data to fulfil their intended mission. Part two of this series explores the design of a larger LEO constellation and how Ansys STK allows for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of user-specified regions of interest to discern how effective a given constellation will be.
In this final instalment of our 3-part series the DRM is expanded to incorporate a communications relay from the intercept aircraft to a ground facility. This link is facilitated via a phased array mounted on top of the aircraft and a LEO constellation which serves as a relay between the aircraft transmitter and ground facility receiver. The goal here is to evaluate the access intervals between assets and ensure that the aircraft can maintain a satisfactory communication link to the ground facility.
