Mercator Projection Superposition: A Computationally Efficient Alternative to Grid-Based Coverage Analysis for LEO Mega-Constellations
Source abstract
Abstract
Grid point approaches for LEO mega-constellation coverage analysis become computationally prohibitive for constellations exceeding 103 satellites due to exponential complexity growth. This paper presents the Mercator projection superposition (MPS) approach, which transforms coverage evaluation into a two-dimensional image-processing paradigm by projecting the satellite coverage onto Mercator maps. MPS decouples computational complexity from satellite count, enabling analysis of constellations exceeding 104 satellites. Validation against grid point approaches shows ≤1.2% error with 60× speed improvement for 103-scale constellations without parallel computation. The method establishes that instantaneous coverage rates reliably approximate periodic rates within 0.04% precision for early-stage constellation design. Analysis of Starlink-based configurations identifies optimal principles governing mega-constellation coverage, with particular emphasis on configuration and orbital parameter relationships. These findings enable rapid design iteration and optimization for future mega-constellation development.
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Research context
OpenAlex topics: Satellite Communication Systems · Radio Astronomy Observations and Technology · Spacecraft Design and Technology
SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.
Affiliations
Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
Funding
Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences · Key Scientific Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences · Program · Joint Fund of the Chinese Academy of Sciences
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