Broadband LEO Satellite Communications: Architectures and Key Technologies

This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview for key issues in broadband LEO satellite communication systems. First of all, the network architecture is introduced, which is the basis of the whole system. The space-based LEO system with ISL, which requires a small number of ground gateways, is the focus. In this system, the satellite constellation design is important with impact on key system performances such as coverage. Two popular LEO constellations, the walker Delta and Star constellations, are introduced. Given satellite constellations, proper beam coverage schemes should be employed at satellites to provide seamless coverage all over the world. A hybrid wide and spot beam coverage scheme is…