Multiple-beam satellite repeater tradeoffs applied to a multifunctional system.

Abstract

This paper concerns satellite repeater tradeoffs for a multiple-beam, multiple-channel, multiple-connectivity satellite postulated to serve a diversity of domestic U.S. noncommercial requirements, with a substantial portion of the satellite power, weight, and bandwidth dedicated to video distribution and bradcast. The orders-of-magnitude of the requirements are given for the video plus high-rate data traffic category. The designs of two alternative baseline repeater configurations are presented, and estimates of their weight and their prime power consumption are given. These data are the basis for estimating the weight and power consumption of a range of alternative beam coverage, modulation, and channel capacity systems. These estimates are used to illustrate tradeoffs with different performance criteria as the independent variable: number of channels per beam and total number of beam-channels.