Satellite visibility in Northern Europe based on digital maps

摘要

This paper presents the calculation of satellite visibility andsystem availability based on digital elevation maps. New models forsatellite visibility are derived for both non-geostationary orbitingsatellite constellations and geostationary satellites. Regressionmodels for satellite visibility and average number of visiblesatellites based on easily available surface roughness variables aredeveloped and tested. Cumulative distributions for the percentage oftime that Iridium satellites are visible, taking terrain obstaclesinto account, are calculated and the relation between satellitevisibility and system availability is discussed.