Abstract: Satellite constellation is developing into vaster number of satellites, multiple network features and complicated composition, which leads to higher requirement on the design and simulation of satellite constellations. Because determining the constellation topology and designing the constellation network are the key steps during constellation design, this article gives an in-depth introduction and comparison on the latest constellation design softwares and network simulation softwares. Software functions, software characteristics and their support on satellite constellation are focused. Finally, two simulation schemes are showed to be suitable. One of them is ns-3(Network Simulator 3) and SaVi(Satellite Constellation Visualization), which are based on Linux with high flexibility and openness. The other one is commercial softwares OPNET Modeler and STK(Satellite Tool Kit). They have poweful functions, complete graphical interface and are easy to employ. Under current sofware development conditions, the two schemes can be better adapted to satellite constellation.

Key words:  satellite constellation, constellation design software, network simulation software