Regional satellite system design for reduced earth station cost and increased transponder capacity

An earth station cost model is used, together with a system up-link analysis, to identify the impact on earth station cost of satellite parameters such as transponder capacity and saturation flux density. Regions where the earth station cost can be reduced and the space segment resources efficiently utilized are identified. Tradeoffs between earth station cost, transponder capacity, saturation flux density, and G/T are addressed. Both FDM and SCPC, using companded frequency modulation, are considered. It is shown that the efficient use of the space segment can be achieved through the appropriate choice of system design parameters EIRP levels consistent with regional service requirements are considered.