Requirement Analysis for a MEO Propagation Campaign

The modeling of the earth-satellite propagation channel requires experimental data that is usually obtained by monitoring continuous wave (CW) signal sources installed in satellites (beacons). Although there is considerable experience in the development of beacon receivers for geostationary satellites, this is not the case for Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) or Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. The main considerations for the development of propagation receivers for monitoring MEO satellites are addressed in this article. The target constellation is presented with a description of the satellite orbits, characteristics of the beacon payload and the project requirements. The receiver's requirements are then analyzed, starting with the antenna, satellite tracking, beacon detection and propagation data handling.