Profiling the transmit power of LEO satellite constellations for broadband communication services considering terrestrial and aerial demand

Researchers [RM1] from the Information Processing and Telecommunications Center (IPTC) at the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid have proposed a novel approach to analyze how Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations consume onboard transmit power when serving global broadband communication services. Their work introduces the concept of a dynamic power profile, which reflects how power usage varies spatially and temporally depending on terrestrial and aerial user demand.

To generate accurate power estimates, the IPTC team have developed a comprehensive global demand model that incorporates factors such as population distribution, purchasing power, existing ground infrastructure, satellite service penetration, and real-time flight data. This model was applied to three major mega-constellations—Starlink, OneWeb, and Kuiper—offering a comparative analysis of how each constellation handles traffic loads.

The findings reveal that satellite power consumption is not uniform; it is significantly affected by user concentration, orbital configuration, and service availability. Importantly, large regions (particularly oceans and areas with low population density) exhibit minimal demand, meaning that satellites often have an excess unused power. This opens new possibilities for reallocating on-board power to other services and applications.

Potential Applications:

• In-orbit edge computing, enabling tasks such as image or data processing during low-demand periods.
• Multi-service satellite missions, enhancing system efficiency and value.
• Adaptive mission planning, optimizing power distribution based on real-time geographic and temporal demand profiles.

This work by IPTC researchers offers critical insights into optimizing power usage in future LEO constellations, paving the way for more efficient, flexible, and sustainable space-based communication and computing services.

Bibliographic reference: Martínez-Zamacola, S., Martín-Marco, R. & Martínez-Rodríguez-Osorio, R.  Profiling the transmit power of LEO satellite constellations for broadband communication services considering terrestrial and aerial demand in Acta Astronáutica, 236 (2025), pp. 547 – 559. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.06.068

Samuel Martínez Zamacola: ORCID

Ramón Martínez Rodríguez-Osorio, ORCID / Google Scholar

Forwed information: www.iptc.upm.es

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/iptc-upm/

LinkedIn profiles of the authors:

Samuel Martínez Zamacola: https://www.linkedin.com/in/samuel-mz

Ramón Martínez Rodríguez – Osorio : https://www.linkedin.com/in/ramon-martinez-a602242

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