Available Licenses:
Corporate: $9,995
This update includes:
NSR’s Non–GEO Constellations Analysis Toolkit 3.0 (NCAT3) is an assembly of flexible, easy-to-use analytical models that x-ray and benchmark LEO and MEO satellite constellations at architectural and business layers.
NSR’s industry-leading configurable toolset is meant for both business and technical professionals alike seeking in-depth understanding of NGSO high-throughput SATCOM. The 15+ tools deliver granular, territory-level assessments of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellite constellations.
Version 3 of NSR’s popular benchmarking toolbox includes an expanded database and –as requested by clients– incorporates quarterly updates. The input data tables are doubled in size to support concurrent benchmarking of 100 sub-constellations, and allow data synchronization across tools, facilitating reconfigurations and update releases.
Thousands of data points processed through the toolkit’s logic constitute an unbiased, factual vehicle for deep-diving into the technical and business aspects that modulate addressability, bandwidth supply-demand and constellations’ competitive standing versus terrestrial networks.
With pre-loaded, updatable datasets, configurable filters, inputs and visualizations, NCAT3 is a standalone NSR product that may also be leveraged in combination with market data and insight from relevant NSR and Analysys Mason research studies.
LEO and MEO satellite constellations beaming tens of Terabits per second are disrupting the space business while also affecting the wider telecommunications industry, making it vital for strategists, planners and decision makers across fixed/wireless telecom and satellite value chains to measure and visualize the impact at granularly defined levels. 
NSR’s Non-GEO Constellations Analysis Toolkit 3.0 (NCAT3) provides clients with an equal set of analytical instruments that NSR leverages internally to holistically assess LEO/MEO HTS constellations in support of focused research studies and consulting projects. NCAT3 includes a wide range of input and output items including filters, maps, calculators, benchmark charts, infographics, exportable input/output data tables, heatmaps, and visualizations.
NSR’s Non–GEO Constellations Analysis Toolkit includes a multiplicity of analytical tools distributed across 15 Excel files (plus user guide and mobility datasets). Each tool has its own set of input variables, filters and calculation engines that drive output results, charts, maps, exportable data tables and visualizations.
Systems Analyzed in this Product
72 distinct NGSO sub-constellations comprising over 130 thousand satellites are pre-loaded to the toolkit (expandable to 100 shells). The list includes FCC-granted, in-orbit and operating, proposed modifications and new systems filed at ITU level: Amazon Project Kuiper, AST Space Mobile, Astra Space, Boeing, China GW-2 & GW-A59, E-Space, Hughes HVNET, Kepler Communications, LYNK Global, Mangata Networks, OneWeb (phases 1 & 2), Rivada Space Networks, SES O3B, SpaceX Starlink (gen 1 & 2), Telesat Lightspeed and Viasat.
1. Toolkit User Guide (PDF)
…1.1 Executive Summary
……1.1.1 Toolkit Summary Table
……1.1.2 Non-GEO HTS Factors
……1.1.3 Workflow & Flowchart Symbols
…1.2 Toolkit Assumptions
…1.3 Quick User Guide, by Tool
……1.3.1 Inputs & Output
……1.3.2 Filters
……1.3.3 Sample Output, Charts and Data
Toolkit (15 Excel files + Mobility Dataset Sample)
2. Tool 1: General & Calcs
…2.1 Maps with orbital routes and satellite footprint
…2.2 Comparison charts for field of view, latitude reach, orbital inclination and altitude, satellite pass time, handoffs/hour, link delay and slant range
…2.3 Output Table with calculations per constellation shell: Orbital period, flight velocity, latitude reach, satellite handoff rate, Earth’ coverage, slant range and delay
…2.4 Infographics for fixed broadband, mobility (aero/maritime), wireless backhaul and space-mobile applications
…2.5 Orbital Dynamics Calculators
…2.6 Mbps (CIR) to GByte (Usage) Pricing Converter
3. Tool 2: Sats & Orbital Routes
…3.1 Maps displaying all satellites and orbital routes for each constellation shell and for final combined system
……3.1.1 Expanded to support more orbital routes and sub-constellations (shells)
4. Tool 3: Sat Tracker
…4.1 Map with visible sats and routes for selectable constellation shell based on site location
…4.2 “Sat Tracker” chart showing antenna look angles (azimuth & elevation) for visible routes
…4.3 Distribution histogram for the antenna elevation angle
…4.4 Calculation of satellites in Line of Sight (LOS) for the defined site location
5. Tool 4: Sats in Line of Sight (LOS)
…5.1 Chart and table with the average number of satellites in Line of Sight across all latitudes
…5.2 Pre-ran data table and benchmark charts for all pre-loaded constellation datasets
6. Tool 5: Throughput & Link Budgeting – MASTER DATA FILE
…6.1 Link Budgeting (LB) tools per system with support for –both- parabolic and flat-panel antennas
…6.2 Generic LB Tool for any LEO/MEO system
…6.3 Uplink and Downlink Frequency Plans
…6.4 Charts comparing constellations’ spectrum and IP throughput at beam and satellite levels
…6.5 Maps comparing constellations coverage and beamwidth
…6.6 FCC filing datasets digitized for Link-Budgeting use
…6.7 Infographics of user and gateway beam spectrum bands and constellation’s key architectural characteristics
7. Tool 6: Addressability Map
…7.1 Analysis of addressable population and surface area for fixed-data services
…7.2 Density maps and tables for the targeted population and target areas
8. Tool 7: Fiber Optic vs. SAT Delay
…8.1 Analysis of propagation latency for end-to-end link using Fiber Optics (FO) and LEO Satellite (SAT)
…8.2 Configurable processing delay per routing/satellite hop.
…8.3 Benchmark of four possible SAT scenarios considering use of Inter-satellite links (optical ISLs), terrestrial interconnections and gateway relay stations
…8.4 Infographics output for SAT vs. FO scenarios
9. Tool 8: Fiber Optic vs. SAT Business Case
…9.1 Business-Case sensitivity analysis for Fiber Optics (FO) versus Satellite (SAT) project evaluation
…9.2 Charts with resulting EBITDA, FCF, NPV and Profitability including histogram distribution of possible outcomes
…9.3 Scatter plots illustrating correlations between model inputs and BC output
10. Tool 9: Non-GEO Business Case
…10.1 Sensitivity analysis for the capital cost of deployed and usable Mbps/Month and bandwidth breakeven price
…10.2 Probability charts
…10.3 Scatter plots illustrating correlations between model inputs and BC output…
…10.4 Infographic summarizing tool’s analysis
11. Tool 10: Gateway Visibility
…11.1 Heatmap analysis of world geographic spots within one-hop visibility of gateway stations
…11.2 Calculation and visualization of single-GW, dual-GW or multiple-GW visibility per degree of lat/lon
12. Tool 11: Exclusion Angles, EPFD Analysis
…12.1 Calculation of Downlink and Uplink Discrimination Angles based on the Equivalent Power Flux Density (EFFD) limits of Article 22 of the ITU Radio Regulations; applicable to FSS (Ku & Ka) frequency bands
…12.2 Heatmaps of possible (allowed & disallowed) uplink look angles for the user-antenna visibility cone and satellites’ field of view, based on site latitude
13. Tool 12: Mobility Heatmap
…13.1 Traffic heatmap analysis of satellite capacity demand for mobility applications, including aero/in-flight connectivity, maritime and rail
…13.2 Pre-loaded with sample datasets for the airline business – but tool is not limited to airlines
…13.3 Heatmap and output data table of satellite IP traffic demand per degree of latitude and longitude
…13.4 Configurable schedules /Itineraries (up to 2,500) and time span for analysis
…13.5 Supports analysis of satellite demand under either GEO or Non-GEO supply scenarios
…13.6 Sample Dataset File from OpenFlights.
…13.7 Output Table Combiner file to run simulations of aggregate bandwidth demand for scenarios with over 2,500 routes
14. Tool 13: Gateway Housing
…14.1 Estimator of the minimum land area required (square meters of real estate) at gateway sites to house/host NGSO antenna farms
…14.2 Calculation of required IP transit fiber capacity (Gbps) at the gateway site to support the visible satellites
15. Tool 14: Manual Measurement Tools
…15.1 Visual aid and measurement tools to perform manual measurements and revisions of constellations’ orbital mechanics (distances, angles, etc)
16. Tool 15: NCAT3 DASBOARD
…16.1 Encompassing, configurable dashboard to perform Non-GEO supply-demand analysis per country and degree of latitude and longitude
…16.2 Takes input tables from other NCAT3 tools
…16.3 Supports fixed data and mobility data -individually or combined
…16.4 Fully selectable list of countries and territories for country/region level analysis
1. Charts
…1.1 Non-GEO-HTS Orbital Routes
…1.2 Relative Size of Field of View (FoV) & Latitude Reached
…1.3 Orbital Inclination & Altitude
…1.4 Maximum Satellite Pass Time
…1.5 Satellite Handoffs per Hour
…1.6 Maximum Latitude Reached and Satellite FoV Map
…1.7 Maximum and Minimum Link Delay and application infographics (fixed broadband, in-flight connectivity, maritime/cruise, cellular backhaul, space-mobile)
…1.8 Single-Shell Maps of Satellites and Orbital Routes
…1.9 Combined or Full-Constellation Maps of Satellites and Orbital Routes
…1.10 Visibility Cone of Satellites and Routes
…1.11 “Sat Tracker” of antenna elevation and azimuth
…1.12 Elevation Angle Distribution Histogram
…1.13 Satellites in Line of Sight (visibility)
…1.14 FCC filings digitized for HTS constellations *
…1.15 Generic and individual Link Budget tools /tables
…1.16 Uplink & Downlink Frequency Plans
…1.17 Preferred DVB-S2X ModCods
…1.18 Gateway Beams – Spectrum
…1.19 User Beams – Spectrum Gateway Beams – Reuse Factor
…1.20 User Beams – Reuse Factor
…1.21 Gateway Beams – Bandwidth
…1.22 User Beams – Bandwidth
…1.23 Gateway Beams – Throughput
…1.24 User Beams – Throughput
…1.25 Number of Gateway Beams and Type
…1.26 Number of User Beams and Type
…1.27 Global Aggregate Forward and Return IP Throughput
…1.28 Satellite Footprint
…1.29 Satellite FWD/RTN Capacity Averaged per Sq. Km of Coverage Area
…1.30 Satellite FoV and Single Beam at Sub-Satellite Point
…1.31 Individual Beam Footprints at Sub-Satellite Point
…1.32 World Population Distribution
…1.33 Addressable Population
…1.34 Addressable Surface Area
…1.35 Addressable Population Map
…1.36 Fiber Optics Delay -Infographic
…1.37 LEO with ISL Delay -Infographic
…1.38 Hybrid LEO-FO Delay -Infographic
…1.39 LEO with Gateway Stations Delay -Infographic
…1.40 LEO with Relay Stations Delay -Infographic
…1.41 Animated Clip Samples
…1.42 EBITDA Probability Charts
…1.43 FCF Probability Charts
…1.44 NPV Probability Charts
…1.45 PV of FCF as Growing Perpetuity Probability Charts
…1.46 NPV Profitability Index Probability Charts
…1.47 Satellite NPV vs. Bandwidth Cost Scatter Plot
…1.48 Satellite NPV vs. GW Hosting Revenues Scatter Plot
…1.49 Satellite NPV vs. StatMuxing Savings Scatter Plot
…1.50 Satellite NPV vs. Terminal CAPEX Scatter Plot
…1.51 PV of FCF as Growing Perpetuity vs. FCF Growth Rate Scatter Plot
…1.52 Probability Charts for Breakeven Price per Usable Mbps per Month, considering all addressable area
…1.53 Probability Charts for Breakeven Price per Usable Mbps per Month for Projected Captured Market
…1.54 Scatter Plot for Breakeven Cost per Usable Mbps per Month; considering all addressable area
…1.55 Scatter Plot for Breakeven Price per Usable Mbps; for estimated market capture
…1.56 Infographic for Estimated Capital Cost per Usable Mbps
…1.57 Infographic for Main Architectural Aspects
…1.58 Infographic for Spectrum & Bandwidth
…1.59 Gateway Density Visibility Maps
…1.60 NGSO Earth Station Radiation Pattern and Discrimination Angle Chart
…1.61 Clarke Belt Visible GEO Arc Chart
…1.62 Worst-Case Geometry Exclusion Areas for Antenna Visibility Cone and Satellite’s Field of View
…1.63 Heatmap of Mobility Traffic/Demand
…1.64 Gateway Housing Charts/Visuals for Antenna Farm Space and Terrestrial Interconnect Bandwidth.
…1.65 Satellite Footprint Radius Chart
…1.66 Aggregate Gateway Site Terrestrial Bandwidth Cart and Visible Satellites
…1.67 Manual Measurement Visual Aids and Charts for MEO, LEO and VLEO
…1.68 Map of countries included in Dashboard Analysis
…1.69 Map with Distribution of Deployed Satellite Capacity
…1.70 Map with Distribution of Covered Population
…1.71 Map with Distribution of Target Population
…1.72 Heatmap of Mobility Bandwidth Demand
…1.73 Heatmap of Combined Fixed Data and Mobility Traffic Demand
…1.74 Supply and Demand Heatmap
2. Tables
…2.1 Orbital Dynamics Data
…2.2 Spectrum, Bandwidth and Throughput Data
…2.3 Data table with elevation angle distribution
…2.4 Satellites in LOS
…2.5 Link Budget
…2.6 Transmit and Receive Frequency Bands
…2.7 Link Budget Summary
…2.8 Satellite Spectrum and TX/RX Channels
…2.9 Satellite and Forward/Return IP Throughput
…2.10 Preferred DVB-S2X ModCods
…2.11 FCC Filings Technical Data
…2.12 Atmospheric Loss Assumptions
…2.13 Population Distribution Data Set
…2.14 Addressable Population Distribution Data
…2.15 Addressable Surface Area Data
…2.16 Fiber and Satellite Delay
…2.17 Fiber vs. Satellite Business Case Sensitivity Analysis
…2.18 EBITDA Output of Sensitivity Analysis
…2.19 FCF Output of Sensitivity Analysis
…2.20 NPV Output of Sensitivity Analysis
…2.21 PV of FCF as Growing Perpetuity Output of Sensitivity Analysis
…2.22 NPV Profitability Index Output of Sensitivity Analysis
…2.23 Sensitivity Analysis Monte Carlo samples
…2.24 Sensitivity Analysis Histogram Data
…2.25 FO CAEX Debt Financing Repayment Schedule
…2.26 SAT CAPEX Debt Financing Repayment Schedule
…2.27 Capital Cost per Mbps Analysis Table.
…2.28 Gateway Visibility Table
…2.29 Output table for population within single-sat-hop gateway visibility
…2.30 Applicable Tables from Article 22 of the ITU Radio Regulations
…2.31 Clarke Belt Visible GEO Arc Table
…2.32 Antenna Look Angle Data Table (discrimination angle per azimuth & elevation)
…2.33 Mobility Carriers Table
…2.34 Mobility Routes & Itinerary Table
…2.35 Mobility Ports/Airports Table
…2.36 Mobility Heatmap Analysis Data Table (1 degree lat/long precision)
…2.37 Supply-Demand Heatmap Output Data Tables (1 degree lat/long precision) for selected Non-GEO system/s and studied countries /territories.
FCC filing datasets were digitized for use within the link budget (LB) analysis “throughput” tool. FCC filings digitized include Amazon Project Kuiper, Astra Space, Boeing, Hughes HVNET, OneWeb (phases 1 & 2), SES O3B (current and next generation MEO-HTS), Starlink (approved/operating Gen1 and filed Gen2), SpaceX VLEO, Telesat Lightspeed (granted and modified), Telesat VLEO and Viasat MEO & LEO.
AST Space Mobile, China GW-2 & GW-A59, E-Space, Kepler Communications, LYNK Global, Mangata Networks and Rivada Space Networks are not fully digitized. Data and calculations for such systems are provided for orbital mechanics but not for IP throughput analysis. Toolkit users can refer to the relevant ITU/FCC filings to extract technical data and leverage the generic Link Budgeting tool (included with the toolkit) to run performance calculations on such systems and/or any other.