Investigating LAPAN-A3 Satellite X-Band Data Transmission Interference in Orbital Approaches

Satellite communication in the X-band frequency range has become essential for high data rate transmissions in various applications. However, the growing number of operational satellites sharing this frequency range within Earth’s orbit raises concerns about the potential for interference. The LAPAN-A3 satellite, a remote sensing platform, utilizes X-band transmission for relaying data from multiple payloads. The X-band transmission system on the LAPAN-A3 operates at a frequency of 8,200 MHz with a data rate of 105 Mbps. However, the X-band transmission encounters intermittent disruptions due to interference from other satellites. This research aims to address the issue of interference in LAPAN-A3’s X-band transmission by employing an orbital approach. Specifically, it focuses on identifying satellites with the potential to interfere with LAPAN-A3’s X-band transmission within the frequency range of 8000-8500 MHz. In instances of interference, this study calculates two parameters for each satellite under consideration. The first parameter involves the vector position dot product between LAPAN-A3 and the respective satellite. The second parameter pertains to the time fraction during which the satellite resides above the horizon when LAPAN-A3 is transmitting data. Higher values for both parameters indicate an elevated likelihood of interference with LAPAN-A3’s transmission.