Simulation modeling methods for LEO satellite communication system

Abstract

The LEO satellite constellation communication system integrating with the existing ground 5G system is an extremely complex system engineering. Therefore, it is necessary to build a simulation and evaluation system to provide technology supports for multiple stages of the engineering construction, including design demonstration stage, operation management stage and on-orbit application stage. One of the most important tasks of building a simulation system is modeling the key components of the constellation system. Based on the unique properties of LEO satellite constellation and some important factors affecting communication performance, the satellite, gateway, core network, system control center, terminal and radio channel were modeling with a proper simulation granularity. We focus on the model architecture and functional compositions supporting payload service simulation, and detail the modeling process of the inter-satellite laser link affecting the entire satellite network performance, as well as giving the modeling methods of laser capture and spot alignment. The influences of satellite orbit and attitude on the optical inter-satellite link were put into considerations, which is consistent with the actual working status when satellites are on orbit. The modeling methods are efficient for improving the credibility of the simulation and evaluation results of the LEO satellite constellation system.