Optimization of a Hybrid Satellite System Constellation

Previous research in satellite constellation designs has focused on Low Earth Orbit (LEO) communication systems that service a global market of uniform demand. This paper addresses the challenge of designing a hybrid satellite system constellation (e.g., LEO satellites with elliptical orbiting satellites) to meet the demands of the emerging satellite broadband market. The broadband market model that is developed highlights the highly non-uniform distribution of traffic that future satellite systems must handle. The approach to the problem and the simulation design are discussed. The problem statement is formulated as an optimization problem. Results from techniques such as Sequential Quadratic Programming (SQP) and Simulated Annealing (SA) are provided and analyzed. A Pareto front of the set of optimal hybrid satellite system designs that solve the formulated optimization problem is provided. The presented design architecture allows for a phased satellite deployment strategy: a LEO backbone satellite constellation to capture a fraction of the total market demand with additional elliptical satellites to service areas of high and growing demand.