Performance Assessment of LPD/LPI Satellite Communication Systems

Abstract

Low Probability of Detection and Interception (LPD/LPI) features have been implemented in many military satellite communication systems. Recognizing the vital nature of these systems, careful design and thorough evaluation is required prior to operational deployment. The classical performance metric Circular Equivalent Vulnerability Radius (CEVR) is used to evaluate the vulnerability of the LPD/LPI systems. In this paper, we propose a new performance metric called Range to CEVR ratio (RCR) to evaluate the LPD/LPI performance of a satellite communication uplink. Compared to the CEVR which mainly considers the interceptor capability, the RCR combines interceptor capability, receiver capability as well as the communication channels for both transmitter-receiver link and transmitter-interceptor link. We then develop a simulation framework that integrates MATLAB signal processing simulation for interceptor detectors and astrodynamics models for spacecraft and aircraft flight, and then we assess LPD/LPI systems by using the RCR and CEVR. We demonstrate the integrated simulation tools by various use case studies, which include transmitter power, frequency selection study (e.g., C band versus Ku band) and the weather effects.