Link budget estimation for ultra high speed radio downlink for prospective remote sensing systems

This paper considers the possibility of increasing data transmission rates of remote sensing satellite radio downlink up to 1 Gbps and further by designing a communication system in K-band. The results of link budget estimation and radio link capacity are presented with regard to such limitation factors as the allowed power of a satellite transmitter and the quality factor of a ground receiving station. The capability of achieving the data rates of 1-2 Gbps is shown possible in K-band although the propagation losses are great. The possible ways of further data rate increasing are recommended.