Path Formation Time in the Noise-Limited Fractionated Spacecraft Network with FDMA

Connectivity and path formation time are very important for the design and optimization in fractionated spacecraft network. Taking frequency division multiple access (FDMA) with subcarrier binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) modulation as an example, this paper focuses on the issues of constraint to orbital elements and path formation time for the noise-limited fractionated spacecraft network percolating. First, based on the proposed evolution of the dynamic topology graph in the fractionated spacecraft network, we prove the constraint condition of orbital elements for noise-limited fractionated spacecraft network percolating, and the definition of path formation time is provided and the mobility model is established. Next, we study the relationship between first docking time and spatial initial distribution and the relationship between first separating time and spatial initial distribution. These relationships provide an important basis for the orbit design in the fractionated spacecraft network. Finally, the numerical results show that the network topology for fractionated spacecraft is time-varying and dynamic. The path formation time and hop length scale linearly with path length within each orbital hyperperiod and change periodically. Besides, the time constant gradually tends to a stable value with path formation time increasing, that is, path length. These results powerfully support percolation theory further under the environment of the noise-limited fractionated spacecraft network.