A LEO concept for millimeter wave satellite communication

Abstract

A conceptual 60 satellite LEO constellation for millimeter wave communication is discussed. It could be launched in segments, with the first 30 satellites providing high elevation angles for all time in the Northern latitudes between Miami and Thule. The second set of 30 satellites would complete the worldwide coverage with emphasis on high ground elevation angles in the densely populated temperate zones. Full earth searches for all time are used to generate probability density functions for elevation angle. The density functions are used to derive optimum frequencies for random elevation systems. The 55 degree average elevation angle and 14 degree standard deviation are seen to be acceptable for 0.997 rain availability in Washington, DC for the 40 to 47 GHz region. The 40 to 47 GHz region is nearly optimum, if 0.99 rain availability is acceptable.