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Space technology
June 2008
Simulations Help Predict Sat-Com Disruptions
By Breanne Wagner
 COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — Satellite signals beamed down to
military warplanes, unmanned aircraft, ground stations or vehicles
are affected by a range of disruptive phenomena — enemy jammers,
atmospheric white noise or weather. These disturbances make it
difficult to predict if a signal will be clearly received.
To compensate for these unpredictable scenarios, engineers are
relying on simulations to predict how satellite links will perform,
says Steve Williams, business manager for RT Logic, of Colorado
Springs, Colo.
“Signal simulations can help identify communications problems,
and take corrective actions without having to use, and possibly
compromise the performance of real, on-line satellite systems,”
Williams says in an interview.
His company recently partnered with Analytical Graphics (AGI) to
develop a layered simulation system that is designed to replicate
scenarios that military satellite communications signals might
encounter. The system also can be used to create worst-case
scenarios that would be impossible, dangerous or expensive to create
in the real world, such as a nuclear disturbance, extreme weather
conditions, or a downed aircraft.
AGI’s STK software provides visual and mathematical models that
are used by RT Logic’s channel simulator to create real electrical
signals, Williams says.
An operator can see on a computer
screen actual communication links between satellites, airplanes and
ground stations.
For example, if an airplane flying over a humvee was transmitting
signals to the ground, the link would be affected by high Doppler
shift rates and varying range delays that the humvee’s receiver
would need to track. The simulation lets the operator verify
performance and make necessary changes.
Please email your comments to mailto:SErwin@ndia.org
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