Propulsion Link Budget

Propulsion Link Budget is a space planning model that estimates whether a signal path has enough margin for reliable communication for thruster, burn, and maneuver systems. It uses antenna gain, path loss, modulation, and noise estimates so teams can schedule contacts with realistic margins while keeping evidence, reliability, and public-safe operational boundaries clear.

“The mission team used Propulsion Link Budget when the burn plan changed, so the team could schedule contacts with realistic margins before the next mission decision point.”