Design of observation / telecommunication constellations : Synergy through a simulation platform

Abstract

Some new world-wide telecommunication or observation systems are based on LEO or MEO satellite constellations, used as relay between terminals or imaging target and gateways or ground stations, in order to provide telephony, high data rate or ground imaging to the end user. Such complex systems are characterized by several system constraints, due to the huge number of users or requests, and the movement of the satellites with regards to the Earth. The design of such whole system can be also considered as a complex problem. It has to be realized thanks to simulators, taking into account a part more or less important of the system constraints. This article presents a complete set of simulation tools, developed by Alcatel Space Industries, in the framework of different telecommunication and observation projects. These tools are regrouped inside a common workshop and based on a generic representation of new telecommunication and observation systems. Two major key points can be highlighted in this approach : two phases correspond to 0/A and A/B project phases and for each phase, five generic steps are followed to conduct to the system design. Such a complete tool chain allows to define and analyze the constellation behavior during the first project levels, when an important system engineering activity is required, in order to support system trade-offs and to determine the best system architecture to guarantee the largest coverage and capacity over the targeted countries. Hence these tools can be considered as very interesting prototypes for operational mission planning services too. The paper will illustrate all these principles by presenting the workshop architecture and by delivering several outputs and visualizations issued from the different tools. The use cases will be chosen among potential or fictitious architectures.