A Novel LFM Waveform for Terahertz-Band Joint Radar and Communications over Inter-Satellite Links

TL;DR

This paper introduces a new LFM waveform for inter-satellite links that simultaneously enhances space debris sensing and communication performance in the Terahertz band, addressing challenges in low-orbit satellite networks.

Contribution

It proposes a dual-function pulsed LFM waveform for THz-band satellite communication and debris detection, with derived ambiguity function and performance analysis.

Findings

Significant performance improvements over legacy LFM systems in THz bands

Effective velocity and range estimation for debris sensing

Reduced bit error rate in satellite communications

Abstract

There is no doubt that we need to keep our eyes on the sky as satellite networks aim to address the demands of 6G and beyond communications systems. On the other hand, the existence of millions of space debris pieces, large or small, poses a threat to the new space communications systems which consist of large number of small satellites, especially in the low-orbit. In this study, a dual-functioning pulsed linear frequency modulated (LFM) waveform at Terahertz (THz) bands is proposed for both wireless communications and space debris sensing over low-orbit inter-satellite links (ISLs). Initially, the ambiguity function of the proposed waveform is derived. Then, velocity and range estimation performance for the radar function and bit error rate performance for the communications function are investigated. Simulation results indicate significant performance gains in the THz-bands compared to the legacy LFM systems.