A Model to Predict Diffraction Attentuation Resulting from Signal Propagation Over Terrain in Low Earth Orbit Satellite Systems

Abstract

This study focused on multipath communication propagation impairments to the LEOSAT communications channel. Two terrain diffraction models, based on the geometric theory of diffraction (GTD), were developed and applied to the space-to-ground communications channel. These models were used to predict the impact of terrain on the performance of three LEOSAT communication systems with designs based on the Iridium, Globalstar and Orbcomm implementations. The study verified the feasibility of applying models based on the GTD rather than empirical or statistical models, to approximate the effect of propagating signals over terrain. Both models confirm that signal blockage and multipath propagation, due to terrain diffraction, can be significant considerations for designers and users of such systems.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 2001
Accession Number
ADA392030

Entities

People

  • Peter Pollock

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Artificial Satellites
  • Communication Channels
  • Communication Systems
  • Constellation Design
  • Data Sets
  • Data Transmission
  • Diffraction
  • Digital Communications
  • Earth Orbits
  • Geometry
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Mobile Communications
  • Mobile Phones
  • Multiple Access
  • Satellite Communications
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Satellite Orbits

Fields of Study

  • Engineering

Readers

  • Computational Modeling and Simulation
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.
  • Wave Propagation and Nonlinear Chaotic Dynamics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Satellites