Variable-coded modulation and error-free transmission algorithms for an Exploratory In-orbit Verification of an E-Band (71-76 GHz) Satellite Link

Abstract

This paper presents the concept for data throughput maximization for an Exploratory In-orbit Verification of an E/W-Band communication link considering the dynamic link budget for a CubeSat-based mission in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and multi-Gigabit data rate. A variable-coded modulation scheme is implemented on the satellite payload computer and it is tested in a back-to-back configuration in order to maximize the data throughput, while taking into account the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) models for atmospheric effects, the satellite motion and the link quality, capacity and performance. By introducing an variable-coded modulation scheme the data throughput during one satellite overpass can be increased by at least 40% compared to a fixed modulation scheme.