Index

Low Earth Orbit Numerical Analysis & Research Tools

From a constellation configured by the CAT module, the ISL module simulate the evolution of the relative position in time of the satellites of the constellation. Then, the evolution of the mutual visibility of the satellites can be displayed, as well as the evolution of satellites distance, relative elevation and azimuth. A processing module enables the filtering of non-permanent satellites links, and permits to specify desired distance, elevation and range values.

The ISL simulation configuration is made by selecting a constellation ephemeris computed by the CAT-Simulator module. Then, the ISL simulation can be launched to compute, for each satellite of the constellation, the distance, elevation angle, and azimuth angle with all other visible satellites.

These computed parameters can be visualized in the form of time curves. The mutual visibility of satellites of a constellation can then be analyzed and used to establish link budgets for inter-satellites li nks, or establish routing tables for networking. The distance variations can be used to compute free space loss or transmission delay variations in time between two satellites. The elevation and azimuth angle time variations can be used to evaluate the ISL antenna beam width and the necessary beam steering if needed.