How to Validate LEO Satellite Performance

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+ PNT Simulation System

Assuring LEO Satellites Can Perform to the Highest Standards

Low earth orbit (LEO) satellites and constellations depend on highly accurate positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT) for high data transfer speeds, new signal generation, precise orbit determination (POD), collision avoidance, and more. These mission-critical features and functionality require comprehensive performance testing that aligns with specialized satellite network criteria and meets stringent requirements.

Testing (LEO) satellite PNT and PNT-dependent systems has unique challenges — allowing zero margin for error. Field testing is largely impractical, which means engineers must recreate realistic conditions in the lab. From orbital models to signal propagation environments, Doppler shifts, and more, creating a realistic and deterministic LEO test environment requires precise, powerful, and flexible simulation.

LEO Satellite Performance Validation Solution

Space-based applications of LEO satellites and constellations require comprehensive performance testing simulating realistic conditions in the lab. These requirements span satellite precision orbit determination and maneuvering, environmental considerations, ultra-high dynamics, new signal modeling, and ground control component development and testing. Testing should incorporate in-band and out-of-band interference, irregular orbits and atmospheric drag, multipath and obscuration, the effects of atmospheric delay, and much more.

The Keysight LEO satellite performance validation solution offers highly accurate and flexible PNT testing comprising radio frequency (RF) simulation — including all current and planned global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals as well as other signals in the L-band and S-band — and precision orbit modeling through dedicated tools. The solution enables faster testing, iteration, and refinement while assuring continuity and reliability.

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