Channel modeling for satellite and HAPS system design

This paper reviews the state of the art and current trends towards 3G and 3GC mobile satellite systems that are being planned in parallel or within the International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT-2000) framework. The subject is firstly approached by introducing the key and enabling technologies both for satellites and high altitude platform stations. After having introduced an overall picture, another review is presented on physical layer research activities including propagation and channel modeling. Finally, the use of the reviewed channel models for Code Division Multiple Access system level analysis is introduced and some current efforts towards system design are presented. Copyright  2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.