Probabilistic link budget analysis for low Earth orbit satellites in the optical regime

Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Optical satellite communication systems face performance challenges due to atmospheric effects such as scintillation, turbulence, wavefront distortion, beam spread, and jitter. This paper presents a comprehensive mathematical model to characterise these effects and their impact on signal propagation. We develop a methodology for dynamically calculating link budgets at any location and time by integrating these models into a probabilistic framework. The approach accounts for spatial and temporal variations in atmospheric conditions, enabling accurate estimation of link loss probabilities. Simulations validate the model’s accuracy and applicability to real-world LEO satellite systems. This work offers a robust tool for optimising link performance and enhancing the reliability of satellite networks, providing valuable insights for system designers and operators.