Dynamic Link Budget Simulation for High Altitude Balloon Data Link Experiment

摘要

With the growing interest in high altitude balloon experiments for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) outreach, the desire for more capable data links, to include 802.11-based solutions, has also increased. This paper addresses the challenges of modeling and simulating an 802.11-based data link throughout its flight on a high altitude research balloon. Of special interest in this simulation are modeling of the 3-dimensional nature of the antenna gain for both the transmitter and receiver throughout the flight trajectory of the balloon and modeling of the balloon-borne antenna due to wind gusts. Key research questions to be answered are link stability over time and overall data throughput of the system throughout the duration of the mission. Once developed, this simulation will allow investigations into dynamic protocol modifications, such as modifications to the transmission rate, which may provide an increase in overall data throughput. Results from this simulation will be used to generate specifications for a high altitude balloon data link experiment that will feature a live streaming video link to a ground station during an experimental mission.