Starlink simulation and potential analysis for remote sensing applications

Starlink plans to provide faster Internet services in most parts of the world, as a space fast Internet communication plan of SpaceX in the United States. However, according to the overall design of the current Starlink system, Starlink satellites may adopt modular development ideas in the future, aiming at the feasibility and potential of Starlink satellite constellations carrying remote sensing payloads, this paper collects and sorts out the development of Starlink satellite constellations and the orbital parameters of some domestic remote sensing satellites and constellations, and proves the feasibility of Starlink satellites carrying remote sensing payloads through comparison between parameters. Secondly, this paper uses STK to simulate and model the Starlink satellite constellation, and at the same time adds available remote sensing sensors to the satellite, and concludes that at least 60 satellites are required for single-orbit Earth observation of the Starlink constellation to achieve the uninterrupted effect, and an imaging simulation is carried out on a building or object on land, and the visibility and sensor coverage effect of the satellite to the target are displayed in two-dimensional and three-dimensional forms. STK's display analysis function was used to visualize the detailed data report results, and finally the potential of Starlink satellite constellation to carry remote sensing payloads was analyzed.