Maintaining Long term constellation coverage without orbital corrections
- Paper number
IAC-06-C1.P.8.02
- Author
Prof. Raz Tamir, Polytechnic University, Brooklyn Campus, United States
- Coauthor
Mrs. Danna Linn Barnett, Israel
- Year
2006
- Abstract
We examine the problem of satellite constellation coverage stability over long periods of times. The possibility of using a constellation of nano-satellites, having no propulsion system, for earth monitoring (visual, IR), is discussed, and the effects of orbital drift on the constellation coverage is examined. We show that using a constellation composed of about 100 satellites at 850 km altitude enables constant monitoring of any point on earth's surface without the need for orbital corrections. Each satellite's orbital drift is compensated by drift of the other satellites in the constellation, thus, maintaining the coverage. This phenomenon is attributed to the statistical distribution of satellites and the robust nature of the constellation. Thus, upon initial injection into orbit, the observation satellites have no need for propulsion system and have a long life expectancy. Analytical calculations were performed, taking into account averaged gravitational perturbations (J2) and drift in the orbital elements (a, e, i). Simulations results show the possibility of maintaining coverage over the majority of earth's populated area using the suggested constellation. Constellation robustness and coverage was examined over a period of 10 years. The fundamental conclusion is that it is possible to deploy many satellites at a single point along an orbit, and get a deployed constellation after few months. The performance of such a constellation is equal to the performance of the case where each satellite were injected to it's precise orbit, and also equal to the coverage achieved by maneuvering satellites.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
IAC-06-C1.P.8.02.pdf (🔒 authorized access only).
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