A novel MEO constellation for global communication without inter-satellite links

Abstract

Currently many efforts are undertaken to develop mobile communication networks based on satellites constellation. However, many problems are to be solved before the final operation of such networks. This paper deals with basic design of middle earth orbit (MEO)-based satellite networks without Inter-satellite links in China for global coverage. Firstly, the ICO™ constellation which is proposed by ICO Global Communications Limited and ICO™-like constellation are investigated. The coverage and visibility performance of these two constellations are simulated and discussed. In order to improve the coverage performance of the ICO™-like constellation, a novel Dissymmetrical Middle Earth Orbit with Equatorial-Polar plane (EPD-MEO) constellation is proposed and simulated. Simulation results show that EPD-MEO constellation can perform better on coverage while guaranteeing the visibility compare the previous one.