Today’s satellite communication systems combine features from legacy cellular networks and emerging wireless technologies. New constellations are under development that attempt to provide ubiquitous broadband mobility via NewSpace Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite networks that include ground stations and user terminals.
LEO constellations promise vast improvements in latency and coverage. For example, Starlink latency performs roughly 15 – 20 times faster than GEO satellites. Such constellations offer a significant increase in aggregate network capacity, thus enabling satellites to support time-sensitive applications such as video streaming and data-heavy applications. However, the LEO environment introduces challenging test requirements compared to legacy GEO VSAT terminals.
LEO networks need to deploy user terminals that provide an agnostic interface between the satellite and the end-user communication device. These CPE-like devices communicate via a...