Modeling and simulation of earth coverage of a low earth orbit (LEO) satellite

Year 2024, Volume: 8 Issue: 2, 85 - 92, 20.06.2024

Murat Bakırcı

https://doi.org/10.26701/ems.1466031

Abstract

Efficient management of operations in near space, just beyond the Earth’s atmosphere, relies on the precise control of satellites positioned relatively close to our planet. Satellite systems, serving critical functions in telecommunications, observation, exploration, and more, have demonstrated their prowess as a transformative technology, consistently delivering high-precision data over numerous years. Among satellite systems, Low Earth Orbit (LEO) technology is gaining prominence due to its advantages, including lower power requirements for transmission, reduced propagation delays, and heightened coverage for polar regions. Achieving optimal efficiency from LEO satellites necessitates a thorough understanding of their fundamental orbital parameters and precise control over them. This study explores the orbital analysis and Earth coverage considerations of LEO satellites, scrutinizing orbital parameters in detail to compute coverage areas across various scenarios. Through this investigation, the potential benefits of data exchange with ground stations facilitated by LEO satellites are explored. In addition, the implications are discussed regarding the adjustment of data exchange topologies according to geographical locations and country borders.

Keywords

LEO satellite, earth coverage, orbital parameters, ground track

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