Features of the implementation of the satellite communication system in the highly elliptical orbit “Express-RV”

This article addresses the Express-RV satellite system, which developers are currently creating. Its primary purpose is to provide subscribers in the Russian Federation and the Northern Sea Route with internet access. The subject of the study is the main features of the Express-RV system implementation, concerning communication in the forward and reverse satellite channel. Among the main features of the satellite system, in addition to the highly elliptical orbit (HEO), we can highlight multi-beam coverage of the service area, direct signal retransmission and the choice of DVB-S2X and DVB-RCS2 satellite communication standards. To implement multi-beam coverage of the service area and direct retransmission, the system employs a multi-beam Ku-band payload. Therefore, the work prioritizes the description of this payload. Objective of the work: to analyze the features and energy parameters of the Express-RV satellite system to confirm its operability, as well as to determine the operating modes in the forward and reverse channels according to the DVB-S2X and DVB-RCS2 standards. Methodology: analysis of the main solutions of the Express-RV system being developed, the DVB-S2X and DVB-RCS2 satellite standards and the recommendations of the International Radiocommunication Union ITU-R P.618-13, theoretical calculation of the energy budget of the radio link. The results confirm the system’s operability, as the study demonstrates the possibility of quasi-error-free reception of DVB-S2X and DVB-RCS2 signals under ideal synchronization conditions. In addition, based on the calculation, we identify the actually used types of modulation in the return channel from those presented in the DVB-RCS2 standard for 3 types of subscriber terminals. For the forward channel, the analysis reveals that the transmission mode adapts to the terminal with the smallest reflector diameter, eliminating benefits from larger-aperture terminals. Scope of application of the results: the researchers and engineers use the results to further develop the Express-RV satellite system.