Communication Optimization Approach for S-Band LEO CubeSat Link Budget

EasyChair Preprint 4487

Abstract

CubeSats has evolved a lot since their first appearance in 1999. Indeed, we see that small satellites have emerged in several areas that were exclusive to large satellites. However, this miniaturization is costly in term of size and energy which are crucial for high data rate communication systems. Hence, the need to optimize communication link parameters for energy efficiency. Previous works on link budget analysis adjust modulation and coding schemes on worst cases in order to guarantee a robust communication link between CubeSats and Grounds Stations. Thus, penalizing the data rate. In our work we start by establishing a classic link budget on S-band transceivers, then we study the impact of communication conditions improvement on data rate using Variable Coding and Modulation (VCM) approach. Our results have demonstrated a notable performance gain from applying VCM technique to a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) CubeSat link budget.

Keyphrases: CubeSat, Nano-satellite, Transceivers, Variable Coding and Modulation, data rate, link budget

@booklet{EasyChair:4487,
  author    = {Mohammed Amine El Moukalafe and Khalid Minaoui},
  title     = {Communication Optimization Approach for S-Band LEO CubeSat Link Budget},
  howpublished = {EasyChair Preprint 4487},
  year      = {EasyChair, 2020}}