Abstract:For the characteristics of deep-space communication, i.e., long distance, low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and huge link loss, an analytical channel model for deep-space inter-satellite links considering the influence of sun flicker and multi-path effect is proposed. On this basis, a deep space inter-satellite link channel emulator based on Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and Personal Computer(PC) is developed, which can effectively simulate the multi-path fading, propagation path loss and channel delay of inter-satellite communication. It also avoids the high cost and risk of field communication experiments. The test results show that the output signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and bit error rate (BER) of the proposed deep-space inter-satellite link emulator are in good agreement with the theoretical results. It can be used for real-time simulation and reproduction of the deep-space inter-satellite link under the laboratory conditions.