Simulating satellite downlink data loss and recovery due to rain attenuation

This paper describes a simulation tool and trade study that models polar orbiting weather satellites, stored sensor data, downlinks to global receptors, and sensor data retrieval with sufficient fidelity to conduct design trades in autonomous satellite downlinks. This paper employs a stochastic rain model based on empirical rain data and a rain fade model for simulated data loss. Models have been implemented using the simulation tool ExtendSim with orbital data imported from Satellite Tool Kit (STK). The simulated satellite contacts and receptor environment are realistically modeled for data retrieval and lost data recovery.