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StatusOngoing
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Status date2008-06-18
The SkyLAN concept consists in splitting functions usually performed by a single large telecommunication satellite among a number of co-located and interlinked smaller satellites. In other words, SkyLAN is a cluster of relatively small satellites that perform an integrated function through a coordinated exchange of information via Inter-Satellite links (ISL).
The main objective of this study is to assess the viability of the SkyLAN cluster concept through both technical and financial analysis.
The major technical choices in clustering are the functional splitting and the SkyLAN configuration. The functional splitting is the way all functions are distributed between the satellites. SkyLAN configuration refers to the communication network topology between the satellite.
SkyLAN would potentially bring many advantages to satellite operators. Hereafter we present the main expected advantages of the SkyLAN concept:
- Incremental increase of system capacity
- Gradual and spread investments
- Test emerging markets (multimedia, mobile, etc.) with less heavy initial investments
- Lower back-up cost
- Lower technological constraints and risks
- Lower financial risk due to satellite launch failure
- Go beyond what can be achieved by existing platform performances
Three systems have been chosen: Mobile, Fixed and Broadcast systems.
The mobile system is based on the Satellite Digital Multimedia Broadcast or S-DMB. This system provides the optimization of 3G DMB service over Europe.
The Fixed system is based on Domino system. This system provides broadband multimedia services over Europe: Internet Access, Virtual Private Network, Content delivery, Backbone Connectivity.
The Broadcast system is based on a Ku-band Multi-beam system. This system provides video broadcast services to linguistic regions in Europe.
The project is divided into two phases each of them is divided into 4 technical tasks:
Phase 1 will analyze and assess the SkyLAN concept with regards to three missions: fixed, mobile and broadcast satellite services. Preferred missions will be identified and preliminary SkyLAN configurations for these selected missions will be defined and analyzed. A technical and financial trade off with traditional satellite systems will conclude this phase.
Phase 2 will address in more details four aspects of the SkyLAN concept : the impacts on the payload architecture due to the function distribution, the evaluation of the Inter Satellite Link system (RF or optical), the analysis of the Station Keeping requirements and various programmatic domains.
The SkyLAN concept proves to be particularly attractive for FSS multispot beam broadband access. A cluster of 4 medium size satellites, each providing 16 beams, allows for the deployment of 64 spot beams over "extended" Europe for a total capacity of 14.4 GHz. Each satellite of the cluster works on a dedicated frequency and provides non-adjacent beam coverage. The satellites of the cluster are interconnected by optical ISL and are arranged in a double ring, for maximum routing flexibility and redundancy.
MSS missions with the stringent payload requirements that drive up payload mass and power budget and that would require in any case multiple very large satellites for a pan-European coverage offers limited interests for the SkyLAN approach.
Impacts on payload
An FSS cluster requires splitting of the switching function and of the antenna coverage. The main impacts at payload level are on the antenna system design, on the regenerative OBP and on the digital ISL. Coverage splitting by frequency allocation simplifies the antenna design. If the coverage splitting is realized following geographical considerations, the resulting antenna subsystem will be much more complex and active antenna techniques will have to be used.
Distribution of switching and ISL are closely related. An optical ISL offers the best compromise between easiness to interface the switching matrix and ability to support high-speed links.
The BSS cluster is characterized by the non-conventional hub satellite. The major change at payload level is the introduction of an ISL to backhaul signal to the hub satellite. RF ISL best fit the overall architecture, but analogue modulated optical ISL are also possible. On the antenna side the most natural solution is to split coverage according to frequency, with virtually no impact on the antenna design.
Inter Satellite Link
The ISL is the enabling element of the SkyLAN concept as it provides the flexibility and the scalability that go with the concept. SkyLAN clusters arranged in ring or star topology according to the specific mission requirements, can provide next generation satellite services that are outside the reach of the current platform performances.
RF link can be realized with 25 cm antenna and high power (120 TWTA) in Ka band over short range (10-20 km).
For optical ISL both 860 nm (Silex heritage) and 1066 nm technologies can be used for both co-located and separated clusters. Small terminal apertures (5 cm) can be sufficient.
Orbit keeping
Co-location of 4 satellites in the same orbital slot in a ring topology is not feasible due to the tracking requirements that are imposed on the ISL terminal. The best option for a ring connectivity is two place the satellites in two collocation groups separated by 2 deg. Such an arrangement does not pose any safety issues or collisions threats. Ion propulsion will result in a smoother evolution of the ISL pointing parameters and will improve the visibility angles.
For the BSS cluster the best approach consists on co-locating the three TX/RX satellites in a single GEO slot, while keeping the hub in a non-adjacent slot.
Synchronisation of manoeuvres is required to maintain the safety margins inside the co-location slots.
Financial assessment
The overall cost of SkyLAN system is generally higher than the one of a corresponding single satellite. The difference sensibly reduces when sparing policy is taken into account. For the FSS mission a sub-regional coverage (as opposed to the frequency splitting) would provide the most interesting solution.
The SkyLAN system provides a more advantageous cash flow (lower upfront investment) that can be modulated on the market demand and, in the worst case, offers a better exit option.