A study on Satellite-to-Ground Propagation in Urban Environment

Non-Terrestrial Networks are going to play an important role in future 6G wireless networks to enhance global connectivity and performances in cooperation with terrestrial networks. In order to properly design and deploy non-terrestrial networks, the satellite-to-ground channel must be properly characterized, with particular focus on the urban environment. This paper uses a Ray-Tracing simulation tool to analyze the primary propagation mechanisms at the ground side and fading characteristics as a function of the satellite position in a reference urban environment. Non-specular reflection due to surface irregularities emerges as a primary propagation mechanism in non-line-of-sight cases. Additionally, the Rician K-factor shows a constant or slightly increasing trend with satellite elevation angle.