GLOrbit: A 3D satellite orbit propagator for network topology analysis

Abstract

Traditional networking protocols were developed for earth-based networks characterized by highly static topologies. In this scenario, erratic link failures were the most demanding change a network configuration could face. In the other hand, mobile networking protocols copes with dynamic topologies but assumes unknown trajectories and high connectivity. Neither of these applies to satellite constellations network paradigmwhere their orbiting nature describes a time-varying but highly predictive topology. To study satellite constellations networks we propose GLOrbit; a tool capable of propagate space nodes in time, create a 3D visual environment, and record the topology in different formats for further analytical studies. For this we implemented SGP4 propagation algorithm, OpenGL graphic library, and DOT language among other libraries interacting in a C++ program. This allows to obtain precise outputs for network graph and physical analysis while gaining visual intuition on satellite networks topologies for different orbital configurations. We demonstrate the tool capabilities with a first work on three representative low earth orbit topologies analysis generated by GLOrbit. Lineal, transversal, and different altitude scenarios are studied concluding that the first evidence an important strength in inter-satellite links while the second on ground to space contacts.