Optimal transfer of communications satellites to geostationary orbit from parking orbit by low thrust electrical propulsion was studied with the aid of a general trajectory program which takes into account the major relevant perturbations and mission variables. One case, that of resistojet motors deriving their power from solar cell arrays, was examined in numerical detail. It is shown that for optimal transfer the parking orbit altitude should be about 350 km when the nonpropulsive payload is about 32% of the parking orbit mass. Since transfer through the Van Allen belt degrades the performance of the power source, this is a major variable which was studied. It was found that mission efficiency increases (and propulsion system cost per mission decreases) if the propulsion system is sized for the power available at start of mission and is allowed to run off-design as the power falls. (Author)


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    Title :

    Optimisation of Geostationary Satellite Emplacement by Low Thrust Propulsion


    Contributors:
    R. Holdaway (author) / R. E. Jansson (author)

    Publication date :

    1972


    Size :

    62 pages


    Type of media :

    Report


    Type of material :

    No indication


    Language :

    English




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