A mathematical programming approach to earth segment cost minimization in a multi-mode modulation and access environment

Any satellite communications network consists of orbiting satellites accessed by antennas comprising the earth segment. Such a network utilizes a mixture of modulation and access techniques. An important aspect of systems studies is to predict and plan for various levels of penetration of such techniques so that the overall earth segment cost of their introduction is minimized while the network-wide traffic requirements are fulfilled. In order to achieve this goal, a novel method is suggested. For any space segment alternative the available space segment capacity in terms of transponder bandwidth is presented as a scarce resource. Mathematical programming procedures are utilized to solve the problem. Once results of the cost minimization study are obtained various sensitivity analyses can be easily performed.