The DAVID scientific satellite: Mission analysis and orbit selection

The LEO-based multi-experiment DAVID (DAta and Video Interactive Distribution) scientific mission of the Italian Space Agency is presently undertaking phase B on the program activities. It aims at testing the viability of the exchange of large amount of data, through a W-band user link and either a Ka-band inter orbit link or a direct-to-ground link, and the effectiveness of resource sharing techniques to countermeasure the propagation channel behavior. The summary results of the mission analysis activities are presented along with the orbit selection process. Emphasis is also placed on the optimization of the communication window with the Artemis satellite taking into account the Sun illumination conditions.