Innovation in the space sector is going through a fruitful period. Among other factors, this has been a consequence of the CubeSat paradigm and its acceptance in the educational, scientific, and commercial sectors, as well as its relevant role in the integration of terrestrial and satellite communication systems. Nevertheless, there is no standardized communication protocol for CubeSat technology. One of the reasons for this lack of standardization is the nonexistence of a widely accepted communication channel model for fast development and simulation of CubeSat technology at the data link layer level. Aiming at filling this gap, we propose a communication channel model that captures both the dynamics of the CubeSat in the low earth orbit and the propagation environment where the terrestrial devices are located, taking into account the elevation angle. For this purpose, finite state Markov chains are used to model the time evolution of the channel fading through the satellite trajectory when it passes by the ground point target. Then, CCSDS recommendations are used as a study case for the data link layer of a CubeSat, while an adaptive automatic repeat request mechanism, according to the elevation angle, is simulated and optimized, showing the usefulness of the proposed channel model. • We propose a communication channel model for CubeSats in the low earth orbit. • CCSDS recommendations are used as a study case for the data link layer of a CubeSat. • An adaptive automatic repeat request mechanism is simulated using the proposed model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]