For many space missions using satellite constellations, symmetry of satellites distribution plays usually a key role. Symmetry may be considered in space and/or in time distribution. Examples of required symmetry in space distribution are in Earth observation missions (either, for local or global) as well as in navigation systems. It is intuitive that to optimally observe the Earth a satellite constellation should be synchronized with the Earth rotation rate. If a satellite constellation must be designed to constitute a communication network between Earth and Jupiter, then the orbital period of the constellation satellites should be synchronized with both Earth and Jupiter periods of revolution around the Sun. Another example is to design satellite constellations to optimally observe specific Earth sites or regions. Again, this satellites constellation should be synchronized with Earth's rotational period and (since the time gap between two subsequent observations of the site should be constant) also implies time symmetry in satellites distribution. Obtaining this result will allow to design operational constellations for observing targets (sites, borders, regions) with persistence or assigned revisit times, while minimizing the number of satellites required.
Reliable global navigation system using flower constellation
2013-06-01
731575 byte
Conference paper
Electronic Resource
English
Uniformly Distributed Flower Constellation Design Study for Global Navigation System (AAS 04-297)
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