Transmission and orbital constraints in space-related programs : project description

Future growth in commercial and military space systems is constrained by technical problems associated with the frequency spectrum, by orbital congestion, and by costs stemming from proliferated terminals. The authors outline an Air Force-sponsored research project to design and develop a capability for predicting and analyzing the spectrum/orbital geometry requirements of current and projected U.S. and international space-related systems. The two essential components of the project are a comprehensive space environment database and a computer analysis program. In combination, they will provide a resource for evaluating engineering and architectural designs, identifying and analyzing the impact of intentional and unintentional electromagnetic interference, and predicting probable saturation conditions in spectrum usage and satellite/orbital positions. The project will include assessments of ways to accommodate anticipated growth. It will be structured for a continuing analysis program, which will be accessible to the space community as operational capabilities are acquired.