MUOS satellite communication beyond latitude 65° North

摘要

This paper describes the underlying rationale for the specified MUOS ± 65° latitude coverage limits, and the potential for coverage beyond these limits. The satellite coverage extension is based on the tradeoff in reduced temporal availability. The duration of coverage prediction as a function of MUOS terminal geodetic datum locations is theoretically derived from the published NAVSOC MUOS satellite ephemeris data for the period of interest. A measurement setup to validate the satellite coverage potentials and the communication link quality was implemented onboard USCGC HEALY on its 2015 summer voyage to the North Pole. The resultant measurement data collected is also discussed.