Coverage analysis of a stratospheric communication system

An original method for predicting the performance of upcoming stratospheric communication systems is presented. The prediction is based on a physical- statistical model of the built-up channel, used in combination with existin g models of the tropospheric mechanisms. The physical nature of the approac h allows the statistics of fade and BER to be obtained as a function of any input parameter, such as the size of the target area, the platform height or the area characteristics. Simulations provide, for example, values of BE R achieved over a certain percentage of area during a given percentage of t ime, as a function of the ground range right below the platform. Various sy stem procedures. such as error correction and power control, are also inves tigated.