Simulations help predict Sat-Com disruptions.

• Author: Wagner, Breanne
• Position: Space Technology - Satellite Communication - Brief article

* COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. -- Satellite signals beamed down to military warplanes, unmanned aircraft, ground stations or vehicles are affected by a range of disruptive phenomena--enemy jammers, atmospheric white noise or weather. These disturbances make it difficult to predict if a signal will be clearly received.

To compensate for these unpredictable scenarios, engineers are relying on simulations to predict how satellite links will perform, says Steve Williams, business manager for RT Logic, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

"Signal simulations can help identify communications problems, and take corrective actions without having to use, and possibly compromise the performance of real, on-line satellite systems," Williams says in an interview.

His company recently partnered with Analytical Graphics (AGI) to develop a layered simulation system that is designed to replicate scenarios that military satellite communications signals might encounter. The system also can be used to create worst-case scenarios that would be...