UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR

ASSESSMENT BRIEF

COURSE DETAILS
INSTITUTE UniKL BRITISH MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE
COURSE NAME SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
COURSE CODE BTB47203
COURSE LEADER SAIFUL YUSRI B. MOHD YASSIN
LECTURER -
SEMESTER & YEAR SEPT 2022

ASSESSMENT DETAILS
TITLE/NAME ASSIGNMENT
WEIGHTING 20%
DATE/DEADLINE 4/11/2022
COURSE LEARNING CLO1 : Explain the satellite communications orbit, trajectories, link-design
OUTCOME(S) and their applications. (C4, PLO3)
INSTRUCTIONS Perform the following tasks:
1. Submit the report in group or individual as instructed by Course Lecturer.
2. The group consists of 2 persons.
3. All answers must be in English language only.

Student Name: ID: Group:

AZRUL HAKIM BIN IDRIS 51222120207 L01-B01
MUHAMMAD ZAIDI BIN ZAKARIAH 51219120320

Assessor’s Comment: Marks:

Verified by: Course Leader [SYMY] QSC format PC/HOS content

Prepared by: [SYMY] verification validation

I hereby declare that all my team members have agreed

with this assessment. All team members are certain that
this assessment complies with the Course Syllabus.

19 Oct 2022
Signature:
Date : 17/10/2022
TASK NO CLO MARKING SCHEME MARKS
1 1 The Report
Demonstrate the ability to write a STANDARD
10
report with sufficient supported diagrams and data
2 1 The Contents
• Introduction 10
• GUI MATLAB code 30
• Orbital element relations 20
• Read and generate TLE data 20
• Conclusion & References 10

TOTAL 100
 UNIVERSITI KUALA LUMPUR
RUBRIC FOR ASSIGNMENT

COURSE CODE & NAME BTB47203 & SATELLITE COMMUNICATION GROUP

STUDENT NAME
L01
STUDENT ID

QUALITY OF WORK

VERY GOOD

EXCELLENT
VERY POOR
PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

GOOD
POOR
1 2 3 4 5

AREA 1. EXTENT OF WORK

Scope of literature review and full descriptions of the selected

1.1
topic.
Presentation of relevant facts, concepts, and interrelationships
1.2
and understanding of topic and its significance to the field

AREA 2. QUALITY OF WORK

Concepts and findings are clearly stated and defined, with clear
2.1 descriptions and explanations. Finding/conclusions are connected
back to the objectives

AREA 3. QUALITY OF REPORT

Report is well-written, done in coherently and in an appropriate

3.1
format.
Report includes figures, tables, diagrams etc that are clear and
3.2
accurate

TOTAL MARKS

MARKS (10%) x (0.4) =

 ASSESSMENT COVERSHEET

Attach this coversheet as the cover of your submission. All sections must be completed.

Section A: Submission Details

Programme : BACHELOR OF TELECOMMUNICATION ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY
WITH HONOURS
Course Code & Name : BTB47203 & SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
Course Lecturer(s) : SAIFUL YUSRI B. MOHD YASSIN
Submission Title : ASSIGNMENT
Deadline : Day 4 Month NOV Year 2022 Time 6pm
Penalties : • 5% will be deducted per day to a maximum of four (4) working days, after which the
submission will not be accepted.
• Plagiarised work is an Academic Offence in University Rules & Regulations and will be
penalised accordingly.

Section B: Academic Integrity

Tick (√) each box below if you agree:
√ I have read and understood the UniKL’s policy on Plagiarism in University Rules & Regulations.
√ This submission is my own, unless indicated with proper referencing.
√ This submission has not been previously submitted or published.
√ This submission follows the requirements stated in the course.

Section C: Submission Receipt

(must be filled in manually)

Office Receipt of Submission

Date & Time of
Student Name(s) Student ID(s)
Submission (stamp)
AZRUL HAKIM BIN IDRIS 51222120207
MUHAMMAD ZAIDI BIN ZAKARIAH 51219120320

Student Receipt of Submission

This is your submission receipt, the only accepted evidence that you have submitted your work. After this is
stamped by the appointed staff & filled in, cut along the dotted lines above & retain this for your record.

Date & Time of

Course Code Submission Title Student ID(s) & Signature(s)
Submission (stamp)
 ASSESSMENT BRIEF ATTACHMENT

INFORMATION ON SK_SP-TA FOR COURSE

Course Code & Name : BTB47203 & SATELLITE COMMUNICATION

PLO : 3

Please tick (  ) in the box provided.

Knowledge Profiles (SK) A programme that builds this type of knowledge and develops the attributes listed below is typically
achieved in 4 years of study
SK1 A systematic, theory-based understanding of the natural sciences applicable to the sub-discipline
Conceptually-based mathematics, numerical analysis, statistics and aspects of computer and information
SK2
science to support analysis and use of models applicable to the sub-discipline
A systematic , theory-based formulation of engineering fundamentals required in an accepted sub-
SK3
discipline
Engineering specialist knowledge that provides theoretical frameworks and bodies of
SK4
knowledge for an accepted sub-discipline
SK5 Knowledge that supports engineering design using the technologies of a practice area 
SK6 Knowledge of engineering technologies applicable in the sub-discipline
Comprehension of the role of technology in society and identified issues in applying
SK7 engineering technology: ethics and impacts: economic, social, environmental and
sustainability
SK8 Engagement with the technological literature of the discipline

Definition of Broadly-Defined Problem Solving (SP)

Broadly-defined Engineering Problems have characteristic SP1 and some or all of
No. Attribute
SP2 to SP7:
Cannot be resolved without engineering knowledge at the level of one or
SP1 Depth of Knowledge Required more of SK 4, SK5, and SK6 supported by SK3 with a strong emphasis on 
the application of developed technology
Range of conflicting
SP2 Involve a variety of factors which may impose conflicting constraints. 
requirements
SP3 Depth of analysis required Can be solved by application of well-proven analysis techniques 
Belong to families of familiar problems which are solved in well-accepted
SP4 Familiarity of issues
ways
May be partially outside those encompassed by standards or codes of
SP5 Extent of applicable codes
practice
Extent of stakeholder
Involve several groups of stakeholders with differing and occasionally
SP6 involvement and level of
conflicting needs
conflicting requirements
SP7 Interdependence Are parts of, or systems within complex engineering problems

Range of Engineering Activities (TA)

No. Attribute Broadly-defined activities
Involve a variety of resources (and for this purposes resources includes people,
TA1 Range of resources
money, equipment, materials, information and technologies)
Require resolution of occasional interactions between technical, engineering and
TA2 Level of interactions
other issues, of which few are conflicting
TA3 Innovation Involve the use of new materials, techniques or processes in non-standard ways
Consequences to
Have reasonably predictable consequences that are most important locally, but
TA4 society and the
may extend more widely
environment
TA5 Familiarity Require a knowledge of normal operating procedures and processes
TASK 1:

Write a STANDARD report from the following tasks with sufficient supported diagrams
and data.

TASK 2:

Write a MATLAB (m-file) code as below for a satellite orbits that can read true anomaly,
inclination and etc. as your input orbit parameters. Use given relation orbital elements:

2πab a 3 2π
T= = 2π =
h µ n

n(t − tp ) = M = E − e sin( E )

Example MATLAB (m-file):

%% Reading basic input parameters

% Input Orbit parameters

i = TLEdata(2,3); % Inclination [°]

O = TLEdata(2,4);
e = TLEdata(2,5)*10^(-7);
w = TLEdata(2,6);
M0 = TLEdata(2,7);
n = TLEdata(2,8);
% Right Ascension of Ascending Node [°]
% Eccentricity [-]
% Argument of perigee [°]
% Mean anomaly [°]
% [revolutions/day]

% Input Constants

mu =398600.4418; % Geocentric gravitational constant [km^3*s^(-2)]

Rz = 6378; % Equatorial radius of Earth [km]

% see database - Numerical Standards for Fundamental Astronomy

% and book Howard D. Curtis: Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students

As a result you can read, load data from TLE (Two Line Element) and plot the satellite
orbits. Test your routine for TLE scientific satellites provided in website:
https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/

Example TLE data:

CUBESAT XI-IV (CO-57)

1 27848U 03031J 20166.57370554 .00000031 00000-0 33803-4 0 9992
2 27848 98.6879 174.9095 0010997 77.9455 282.2954 14.21828439879532
Figure 1: Two-Line elements format
 UNIVERSITY KUALA LUMPUR BRITISH MALAYSIAN INSTITUTE
SATELLITE COMMUNICATION
(BTB47203)
ASSIGNMENT
LECTURER: SIR SAIFUL YUSRI B. MOHD YASSIN

STUDENT NAME: ID NUMBER :

AZRUL HAKIM BIN IDRIS 51222120207
MUHAMMAD ZAIDI BIN 51219120320
ZAKARIAH
1.0 INTRODUCTION

Satellite communication in telecommunications refers to the use of artificial satellites

to establish communication links between various locations on Earth. Satellite communications
are critical components of the global telecommunications system. Approximately 2,000
artificial satellites orbit the Earth, relaying analogue and digital signals delivering audio, video,
and data to and from one or more locations worldwide. The two fundamental components of
satellite communication are the ground segment, which includes stationary or mobile
transmission, reception, and ancillary equipment, and the space segment, which includes the
satellite itself. A satellite connection typically involves the transmission or uplinking of a signal
from an Earth station to a satellite. The satellite then receives and amplifies the signal before
retransmitting it to Earth, where it is received and reamplified by Earth stations and terminals.
Satellite receivers on the ground include direct-to-home (DTH) satellite technology, mobile
reception equipment in aircraft, satellite telephones, and handheld gadgets.

We will learn about the path satellite revolving with mathematical notation study called
orbital elements in relation to two line elements for this assignment. The MATLAB software
will generate all of the data in this lab using specific coding. Orbital elements are the criteria
required to uniquely identify a specific orbit. In celestial mechanics, these elements are
investigated in two-body systems using a Kepler orbit. There are numerous ways to
mathematically describe the same orbit, but in astronomy and orbital mechanics, specific
schemes with a set of six parameters are routinely used. A real orbit and its constituents change
over time due to gravitational perturbations from other objects and the effects of general
relativity. A Kepler orbit is an idealised mathematical approximation of the orbit at a given
time. The orbital elements are the semimajor axis, eccentricity, mean anomaly, argument of
perigee, inclination, and ascending node right ascension. The six orbital elements define the
orbits of earth satellites. As a result, distinguishing one satellite from another is simple based
on the values of orbital elements.

TLE data, or two-line element data, is a set of parameters that describe the state of a
spacecraft in Earth orbit. These parameters include identifier data, such as the satellite number
and launch number, a time associated with the set (given as the year and fractional day), and
traditional orbital elements (inclination, right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN),
eccentricity, and angular momentum). Perigee argument, mean anomaly, and mean motion).
The US Air Force developed the TLE format in the 1970s, and it is still in use today as a legacy
format. The first line contains the first and second derivatives of the mean motion, as well as
B*, which are used to propagate the orbit, while the second line contains the basic Keplerian
elements. This information is used by the Simplified General Perturbation (SGP4) model to
transmit the orbit from the TLE epoch to any subsequent time when the position of the
associated space object is required. TLE propagation uncertainty varies by space catalogue
object because each has its own unique orbital environment that SGP4 may or may not capture
well.
2.0 GUI MATLAB CODE

Keplerian Orbit Computation File

File name: Keplerian_Orbit.m

%% Computation of Keplerian Orbit

% This program calculates and draws Keplerian orbit of satellite using TLE data
% from text file (containts TLE record for satellite CUBE):
%%
% <https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/cubesat.txt
https://www.celestrak.com/NORAD/elements/cubesat.txt>

clc;
%% Loading data from a TLE data file

% Loading a TLE data file

filename = uigetfile('.txt');
TLEdata=readmatrix(filename);
%% Reading basic input parameters

% Input Orbit parameters

i = TLEdata(2,3); % Inclination [°]

O = TLEdata(2,4); % Right Ascension of Ascending Node [°]
e = TLEdata(2,5)*10^(-7); % Eccentricity [-]
w = TLEdata(2,6); % Argument of perigee [°]
M0 = TLEdata(2,7); % Mean anomaly [°]
n = TLEdata(2,8); % [revolutions/day]

% Input Constants

mu =398600.4418; % Geocentric gravitational constant [km^3*s^(-2)]

Rz = 6378; % Equatorial radius of Earth [km]

% see database - Numerical Standards for Fundamental Astronomy

% and book Howard D. Curtis: Orbital Mechanics for Engineering Students
%%
% <http://maia.usno.navy.mil/NSFA/NSFA_cbe.html#GME2009
http://maia.usno.navy.mil/NSFA/NSFA_cbe.html#GME2009>
%
% <https://doi.org/10.1016/C2011-0-69685-1 https://doi.org/10.1016/C2011-0-
69685-1>
%
% %
% Pic.1: Input data: Orbital elements
%
% MATLAB variables and orbital elements: $$w =\omega, O =\Omega$$.
%% Converting degrees to radians

O = O*pi/180; %[rad]
i = i*pi/180; %[rad]
M0 = M0*pi/180; %[rad]
w = w*pi/180; %[rad]
%% Calculations

n2=n*2*pi/86164; % n to [rad/s]
a=mu^(1/3)/n2^(2/3); % Major semi-axis [km]
p = a*(1-e^2); % Semi-latus rectus [km]
rp = a*(1-e); % Radius of perigee [km]
ra = a*(1+e); % Radius of apogee [km]
vp = sqrt(mu*(2/rp-1/a)); % Velocity at perigee km/s]
va = sqrt(mu*(2/ra-1/a)); % Velocity at apogee [km/s]
T = 2*pi/n2; % period [s]
hodiny = floor(T/3600); % hours
minuty = floor((T-hodiny*3600)/60); % minutes
sekundy = floor(T-hodiny*3600-minuty*60); % seconds
%% Outputs

true;
fprintf('\n Period %3d h: %3d m: %3d s ',hodiny,minuty,sekundy);
fprintf('\n Radius of perigee %10.3f km Altitude at perigee %10.3f
km',rp,rp-Rz);
fprintf('\n Radius of apogee %10.3f km Altitude at apogee %10.3f
km',ra,ra-Rz);
fprintf('\n Velocity at perigee %6.4f km/s Velocity at apogee %6.4f
km/s',vp,va);

%% Drawing the orbit

% Time vector

no = 1; % number of orbits
t0 = 0; % initial time
tn = no*T; % final time
krok = 30; % step [s]
t = t0:krok:tn+krok; % vector of time
%%
% Eccentric anomaly [rad]

M=M0+n*(t-t0);

E = zeros(size(t,2),1);
for j=1:size(t,2)
E(j) = anom_ecc(M(j),e);

end
%%
% Calculation of radius

sinv = (sqrt(1-e.^2).*sin(E))./(1-e.*cos(E)); % Sine of true anomaly

cosv = (cos(E)-e)./(1-e.*cos(E)); % Cosine of true anomaly
v = atan2(sinv,cosv); % True anomaly [rad]
u = v + w; % Argument of latitude [rad]
r = (a.*(1-e.^2))./(1+e.*cos(v)); % Radius
%%
% ECI (Earth Centered Inertial)

xp = r.*cos(u);
yp = r.*sin(u);
xs = xp.*cos(O)-yp.*cos(i).*sin(O); % ECI x [km]
ys = xp.*sin(O)+yp.*cos(i).*cos(O); % ECI y [km]
zs = yp.*sin(i); % ECI z [km]
%%

hold on;

[x,y,z] = ellipsoid(0, 0, 0, Rz, Rz, Rz, 40);

hSurface=surf(x, y, z);
set(hSurface,'FaceColor',[0 0
1],'FaceAlpha',0.9,'FaceLighting','gouraud','EdgeColor','k')
axis equal

plot3(xs,ys,zs,'r*')

angle_eq = linspace(0,2*pi,361);
xeq = (Rz*1.0001).*cos(angle_eq);
yeq = (Rz*1.0001).*sin(angle_eq);
zeq = zeros(1,size(angle_eq,2));
plot3([0,2*ra],[0,0],[0,0],'-.k','LineWidth',1); % X
plot3([0,0],[0,2*ra],[0,0],'-.k','LineWidth',1); % Y
plot3([0,0],[0,0],[0,2*ra],'-.k','LineWidth',1); % Z
text(2*ra+120,10,0,texlabel(' X'),'Color','k','FontSize',16);
text(0,2*ra+120,0,texlabel(' Y'),'Color','k','FontSize',16);
text(0,0,2*ra+140,texlabel(' Z'),'Color','k','FontSize',16);
plot3(xeq,yeq,zeq,'--y','LineWidth',1); % Equator
title('Output: Interactive Orbit View')
grid on;

% set orbit view

view(135,25)

% Orbit View is possible to rotate in interactive mode (after strating the

program)

File name: anom_ecc.m

function E = anom_ecc(M,e)

% Function solves Kepler's equation M = E-e*sin(E)

% Input - Mean anomaly M [rad] , Eccentricity e and Epsilon
% Output eccentric anomaly E [rad].

%set an error tolerance

error = 1.0e-8;

En = M;
Ens = En - (En-e*sin(En)- M)/(1 - e*cos(En));
while ( abs(Ens-En) > error )
En = Ens;
Ens = En - (En - e*sin(En) - M)/(1 - e*cos(En));
end;
E = Ens;
Eccentric Anomaly Computation File

File name: kepler.m

% File kepler.m solves Kepler's equation, E and M are in radians

function E = kepler(M, e)
f = @(E) E - e * sin(E) - M;
E = fzero(f,0);
end

File name: kepler_script.m

% E = eccentric anomaly measured from perihelion about% the center of the

elliptical orbit
% M = mean anomaly = 2p t/P
M = (0:0.01:6);
N = length(M);
% e = eccentricity of the orbit
e = [0 0.25 0.5 0.75 1];
n = length(e);
for x = 1:N
for y = 1:n
% E(x,y)=kepler(e(y),M(x));
E(x,y) = kepler(M(x),e(y));% <--Fixed the order of the inputs
end
end
figure, plot(M,E), grid on,
3.0 RESULT & DISCUSSION

Orbital Element Relations

e=0.5
e=0.75
e=1

e=0.25 e=0

We were tasked to do the simulation using MATLAB software to get the eccentric anomaly
using mean anomaly and eccentricity that can be derived from the TLE data that we obtained
from the site that was provided by our lecturer. The more detailed explanation calculation and
result can be obtained also from the simulation of MATLAB from the code that were provided
by our lecturer.

Kepler's laws were derived for orbits around the sun, but they apply to satellite orbits as well.
The eccentric anomaly, mean anomaly and orbit eccentricity are related by Kepler’s Equation:

M=E−esinE

That is why I searched for Kepler formula that can be simulated in MATLAB so that the result
can be seen and understand deeper. The value of M at a given time is easily found when the
eccentricity e and the eccentric anomaly E are known. The problem is to find E (from which
the position of the planet can be computed) when M and e are known. Kepler's equation cannot
be solved algebraically. It can be treated by an iteration methods. One of them is Newton's
method, finding roots of
 f(E) = E - e*sin(E) - M(t)

The true anomaly (symbol φ) is the angular distance of the planet from the perihelion of the
planet, as seen from the Sun. For a circular orbit, the mean anomaly and the true anomaly are
the same. True anomaly (υ) and mean anomaly (M) are related through the eccentric anomaly
and the Kepler’s equation. The true anomaly can be also solved from the mean anomaly by
using a series expansion approach of the so-called equation of the center. For reference orbit
computation the series solution can be truncated in the following terms:
Read And Generate TLE Data

1. ISS (ZARYA)

TLE:

1. 25544U 98067A 22307.19827069 .00017576 00000+0 31843-3 0 9993

2. 25544 51.6449 7.9386 0006518 34.6674 14.5237 15.49699110366747

From the TLE data that was taken from the website, when we run the simulation and used the
TLE data to compute it using the code provided, we can see that the period taken for satellite
ISS (ZARYA) is 1 hour 32 minutes and 40s to complete a cycle in its own orbit. The radius of
both perigee and apogee is not too different so we can assume that the satellite shape is round.
The shape of the satellite also dependant to the eccentricity of the satellite and because of the
eccentricity is below 1 then the shape of the satellite is in ellipse satellite shape. Lastly the
inclination can be considered prograde since it is 51.6449° in inclination where a prograde orbit
is between 0°- 90°.
 2. AEROCUBE 12A

TLE:

1. 43556U 18046C 22306.49629174 .00042002 00000+0 86179-3 0 9998

2. 43556 51.6343 228.3170 0008051 162.5909 197.5355 15.45580770240616

For the next TLE data we can see that the period taken for satellite AEROCUBE 12A is 1 hour
32 minutes and 54s to complete a cycle in its own orbit. The radius of both perigee and apogee
is not too different so we can assume that the satellite shape is round. The shape of the satellite
also dependant to the eccentricity of the satellite and because of the eccentricity is below 1 then
the shape of the satellite is in ellipse satellite shape. Lastly the inclination can be considered
prograde since it is 51.6343° in inclination where a prograde orbit is between 0°- 90°.
 3. AEROCUBE 12B

TLE:

1. 43557U 18046D 22306.53039780 .00031201 00000+0 72368-3 0 9996

2. 43557 51.6360 235.2032 0007893 159.7956 200.3343 15.42091340240474

For the next TLE data we can see that the period taken for satellite AEROCUBE 12B is 1 hour
33 minutes and 7s to complete a cycle in its own orbit. The radius of both perigee and apogee
is not too different so we can assume that the satellite shape is round. The shape of the satellite
also dependant to the eccentricity of the satellite and because of the eccentricity is below 1 then
the shape of the satellite is in ellipse satellite shape. Lastly the inclination can be considered
prograde since it is 51.6360° in inclination where a prograde orbit is between 0°- 90°.
4.0 CONCLUSION

As a conclusion, from this we lab we are able to learn about TLE such as reading its
data and displaying them in a more simple manner by using the MATLAB to simulate the TLE
data. The data simulated then will show the orbital path of the satellite, the period taken for the
satellite to complete 1 cycle, the radius, altitude and velocity of both perigee and apogee. The
TLE data itself have important data that we can get as long as we understand the structure of
the TLE such as the inclination degree, the eccentricity, mean motion, mean anomaly and so
on. While conducting this lab, we also able to simulate a number of satellite which is the ISS
(ZARYA), AEROCUBE 12A and AEROCUBE 12B satellite by collecting their TLE data from
the site that was provided so this proves that the data is important as the orbital simulation can
be presented in the MATLAB software for an even deeper understanding of how actually they
orbiting the earth whereby as a student it is important if we can visually see the simulation of
the satellite orbiting path.
5.0 REFERENCE

[1] “Orbital inclination,” Wikipedia, 12-Jun-2022. [Online]. Available:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbital_inclination#:~:text=An%20inclination%20of%20
exactly%2090,°%20is%20a%20retrograde%20orbit. [Accessed: 01-Nov-2022].

[2] Giesen, J. (2016) Solving Kepler's equation.

[3] Tursa, J. (2017) Kepler's equation for MATLAB,. - MATLAB Answers - MATLAB
Central. Available at: https://www.mathworks.com/matlabcentral/answers/118941-
kepler-s-equation-not-working-it-solves-the-kepler-equation-for-e-given-e-and-m-your-
function-shou (Accessed: November 3, 2022).

[4] B.-S. Lee,“Norad Tle Conversion From Osculating Orbital Element,”J. Astron. Sp.
Sci.,vol. 19, no. 4, pp. 395–402, 2002, doi: 10.5140/jass.2002.19.4.395.