A methodology for rapidly evaluating the performance of some low Earth orbit satellite systems

A top-down design methodology for LEO systems is illustrated by an example. The considered service is data messaging over local areas. The design method is based on a three-level approach: mission objectives, constellation selection and network design, and technical studies. It is shown that many alternatives are to be explored, and this requires a set of consistent and efficient simulation tools. The tools considered in the paper are a rapid computation algorithm for in-view period determination, and a discrete event simulation module. These tools are shown to provide the designer with means to rapidly select the appropriate constellation and evaluate the network performance