Satellite constellation design with multi-objective genetic algorithm for regional terrestrial satellite network

Constellations design for regional terrestrial-satellite network can strengthen the coverage for incomplete terrestrial cellular network. In this paper, a regional satellite constellation design scheme with multiple feature points and multiple optimization indicators is proposed by comprehensively considering multi-objective optimization and genetic algorithm, and "the Belt and Road" model is presented in the way of dividing over 70 nations into three regular target areas. Following this, we formulate the optimization model and devise a multi-objective genetic algorithm suited for the regional area with the coverage rate under simulating, computing and determining. Meanwhile, the total number of satellites in the constellation is reduced by calculating the ratio of actual coverage of a single-orbit constellation and the area of targets. Moreover, the constellations' performances of the proposed scheme are investigated with the connection of C++ and Satellite Tool Kit (STK). Simulation results show that the designed satellite constellations can achieve a good coverage of the target areas.