Joint channel estimation and satellite antenna power control in mobile satellite networks using ray tracing

Abstract

In a satellite with multiple spot beams, the scenario of one beam covering an urban area and another beam covering a rural area is ordinary. In order to provide reliable service to the maximum number of users, the satellite can adjust power levels at its antennas. We propose a hybrid ray tracing-based model, consisting of deterministic and statistical attributes, to estimate signal quality based on the type of surrounding environment. The problem of providing acceptable power level to the maximum number of users is then formulated as a linear programming problem and its solution can be applied as feedback information via a control channel to the satellite emitter system to adjust power levels at specific antennas.