Information Capacity Improvement for Deep Space Communication Radio Systems Using Companion Relay Satellites

The paper considers methods and mathematical models for calculation of the information capacity of radio systems for deep space communication in the modes of point-to-point transmission, as well as in the modes of relay by “transparent” and regenerative space transponders. The information capacity is studied depending on the distance of the transponder from the mission-oriented spacecraft by the example of the radio system of scientific data transmission from Mars to Earth in the K_a band. The principal possibility of obtaining a gain in the information capacity of deep-space communication radio systems due to the use of space transponders is shown. The requirements for the main parameters of transponder and its distance from the mission-oriented spacecraft are presented. Estimates for the regions of the relay satellite location providing the maximum increase in the information capacity are obtained for various distances between the mission-oriented spacecraft and the receiver.