LEO Satellite Performance Comparison under Two Different Elevations

Abstract

Satellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbits) are closest to the Earth’s surface, having the smallest coverage area compared to other orbits, depending on altitude and elevation angle, and providing relatively too short visibility and communication duration, in range of (2 - 15) minutes. Communication duration represents the key performance indicator for LEO satellite communication systems. For longer communication sessions, more satellites must be involved, and the signals must be handed over from one satellite to the next to provide uninterrupted real-time services to the appropriate user or ground station. This leads to the concept and structure of the satellites organized in the constellation. Communication window (visibility window) depends on the designed horizon plane width determined by licensed elevation angle. For the appropriate calculations, a satellite from the Starlink constellation at altitude of 550 km is considered, observed under licensed designed elevations of 40˚ and 25˚. Calculations under two designed elevation levels confirmed the wider horizon and consequently longer communication under the lower elevation.