Performance Evaluation for Shuttle/TDRSS Links Using Analytical Simulation

Abstract

An analytical simulation package has been developed by LinCom Corporation for analytical verification of bit error rate and tracking services performance for both S- and K-band Shuttle user service through the Tracking and Data Relay Satellite System (TDRSS). The purpose of this effort was to provide a tool to assess overall system performance as well as the sensitivity to key subsystem parameters and to ensure compatibility of TDRSS and Shuttle transponder performance specifications. The evaluation is based on analytical simulation, i.e., a combination of simulation techniques and analytical performance evaluation. This allows the use of a more realistic signal format than is possible with a purely analytical approach and maintains the advantage of short computation time. The Shuttle forward and return link models and the main features of the simulation are described. Sample results of the computer runs are provided for current power budgets and system design parameters.