A Novel Channel Model for Clustered CubeSat Communication

In this work, a new channel model is proposed to describe communication between clustered CubeSats. The channel is presented as a normalized sum of the line-of-sight, specular, and diffuse components of a three dimensional, double bounce, stochastic model. Normalization is performed using the Ricean K-factor. This model also accounts for the transmit and receive antenna characteristics making it useful for optimization. The channel properties are explored using a reconfigurable antenna with variable inter-element spacing. Results indicate that the mean channel capacity and inter-element spacing are proportionally related.