Satellite networks are emerging as vital solutions for global connectivity beyond 5G. As companies such as SpaceX, OneWeb, and Amazon are poised to launch a large number of satellites in low Earth orbit, the heightened inter-satellite interference caused by mega-constellations has become a significant concern. To address this challenge, recent works have introduced the concept of satellite cluster networks where multiple satellites in a cluster collaborate to enhance the network performance. In order to investigate the performance of these networks, we propose mathematical analyses by modeling the locations of satellites and users using Poisson point processes, building on the success of stochastic geometry-based analyses for satellite networks. In particular, we suggest the lower and upper bounds of the coverage probability as functions of the system parameters, including satellite density, satellite altitude, satellite cluster area, path loss exponent, and the Nakagami parameterm. We validate the analytical expressions by comparing them with simulation results. Our analyses can be used to design reliable satellite cluster networks by effectively estimating the impact of system parameters on the coverage performance.

Due to the high altitudes and large beam sizes of satellites, the curvature of the Earth’s surface can impact system-level performance. To consider this, 3GPP introduces the UV-plane beam mapping for system-level simulations of non-terrestrial networks (NTNs). This paper aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how beams and user equipments (UEs) are placed on the UV-plane and subsequently mapped to the Earth’s surface. We present a general process of projecting UEs on the UV-plane onto the Earth’s surface. This process could offer a useful guideline for beam and UE deployment when evaluating the system-level performance of NTNs.

In the pursuit of ubiquitous connectivity, there is a growing interest in satellite systems owing to their large coverage. The deployment of a substantial number of satellites in low Earth orbits necessitates performance analyses and techniques to mitigate inter-satellite interference. Leveraging achievements in stochastic geometry, this paper proposes mathematical analyses for coverage performance by incorporating the concept of a satellite cluster, enabling joint transmission to address the challenges posed by mega-constellations. Furthermore, we investigate the influence of parameters such as cluster region on coverage performance. Validations of derived mathematical results are conducted through comparative analysis with simulation results. Our analyses can facilitate the efficient design of dependable satellite cluster systems by assessing the influence of design parameters on coverage performance.