A simulation system for ATM and packet-based MEO and GEO communication systems

In this paper we present a simulator for GEO or MEO-based communication systems. This simulator implements variable delay and bit error rate simulation and can be used to analyze communication scenarios involving one or more GEO/MEO or LEO spacecrafts and ground stations. First the paper gives a short overview over the original LEO simulator design from which the GEO simulator was derived. Then it shows the modifications needed for the GEO/MEO simulation, provides a detailed description of the cell and packet processing, together with a detailed description of the simulator structure and measurement results. At the end we present the results of a usage case of ATM-based communication between the ISS and an earth station via a GEO satellite.