Lower Inclination Orbit Concept for Direct-Communication-To-Satellite Internet-Of-Things Using Lean Satellite Standard in Near-Equatorial Regions

Abstract

This research proposes a low-inclined orbit concept and design for the Internet-of-Things (IoT) using lean satellite standards in near-equatorial regions. The study aims to evaluate the coverage of various inclination angles at various latitudes and inclination angles in order to determine the most suitable satellite design for providing IoT coverage in these regions. The main methods applied in the study included analyzing the coverage performance of different inclination angles, the link budget analysis using simulations and the definition of the mission criteria. The results of the study show that the overall coverage performance decreases with an increase in the inclination angle. Satellites with lower inclination angles have ground tracks that are more closely aligned with the equator, while satellites with higher inclination angles have ground tracks that are inclined further toward the poles. In addition, the results show that the fraction of orbits with coverage (expressed as a percentage) declines with increasing latitude. Based on these findings, a low-inclined orbit of 24° provides the best coverage for IoT in near-equatorial regions within ±20 and 26° latitude, with a peak coverage of 27% at 24° latitude and a minimum coverage of 10% in the region spanning from 0° to ±27° latitude. This design offers more coverage time and a shorter revisit time to the selected regions for communication missions.