Signal Simulator for Starlink Ku-Band Downlink

Abstract

This paper summarizes the current-known model for Starlink’s Ku-band downlink signal and develops a platform for simulating a received signal. The simulator models key elements of the signal structure, along with channel effects such as noise, delay, and Doppler. Further, this paper outlines a hypothesis testing detection process for acquisition of a Starlink downlink frame. The information in this paper will be of general interest to those seeking to understand the Starlink waveform, but is particularly targeted to those wishing to exploit Starlink as an alternative to GNSS for position, navigation, and timing (PNT). The simulator can also make use of precise ephemerides to generate more faithful signals. Theoretical limits on the minimum signal-to-noise ratio required to detect a frame are presented and supported by simulated signals. Finally, the hypothesis testing detection process is applied to live-captured Starlink data.