Skip to main content
Log in

Combined satellite systems for continuous global coverage in equatorial and polar circular orbits

  • Published:
Cosmic Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

A method is presented to design nonuniform satellite systems for global coverage using a combination of the equatorial and polar satellite groupings. Equations are derived for determining the basic design parameters of the entire satellite system and the conditions of its closure at the joint of the polar and equatorial segments. We analyze the constitutive features of such systems and their advantages and disadvantages in comparison with the most famous types of the polar phased and kinematically correct satellite systems. We consider versions of the nonuniform satellite systems with different flight altitude and the number of spacecraft in the equatorial and polar planes, as well as we present numerical examples.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Barinov K.N., Burdaev M.N., and Mamon P.A., Dinamika i printsipy postroeniya orbital’nykh system kosmicheskikh apparatov (Dynamics and principles for constructing the orbital spacecraft systems), Moscow: Mashinostroenie, 1975.

    Google Scholar 

  2. Mozhaev G.V., The problem of the Earth’s continuous coverage and kinematically correct satellite systems. 1, 2, Cosmic Res., 1972, vol. 10, no. 6, p. 755; no. 1, p. 52.

    Google Scholar 

  3. Mozhaev G.V., Sintez orbital’nykh structur sputnikovykh system (teoretiko-gruppovoy podkhod) (Synthesis of the orbital structures of the satellite systems (theoretic group approach), Moscow: Mashinostroenie, 1989.

    Google Scholar 

  4. Mozhaev G.V., Capabilities of kinematically regular satellite systems with symmetry groups of the second type in the problem of continuous single coverage of the Earth, Cosmic Res., 2005, vol. 43, no. 3, p. 205.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  5. Saulskiy V.K., Multisatellite systems with linear structure and their application for continuous coverage of the Earth, Cosmic Res., 2005, vol. 43, no. 1, p. 34.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  6. Adams W.S. and Rider L., Circular polar constellations providing continuous single or multiple coverage above a specified latitude, Astronautical Sci., 1987, vol. 35, no. 2, pp. 155–192.

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  7. Asvial M., Tafazolli R., and Evans B.G., Genetic hybrid satellite constellation design, Proc. 21th AIAA Int. Communications Satellite Systems Conference, April 17–19, 2003, Yokohama (Japan), AIAA Paper 2283–2003.

    Google Scholar 

  8. Lang T.J. and Adams W.S., A comparison of satellite constellations for continuous global coverage, Proc. IAF Workshop on Mission Design and Implementation of Satellite Constellations, Toulouse (France), 1997, Paper 97–D4.

    Google Scholar 

  9. Lang T.J., Optimal low Earth orbit constellations for continuous global coverage, AAS Paper, 1993–597.

    Google Scholar 

  10. Lang T.J. and Mayer J.L., A new six satellite constellation for optimal continuous global coverage, AAS Paper, 1995–221.

    Google Scholar 

  11. Sea Launch Users Guide, Boeing commercial space company, Seattle, WA, 1996.

  12. Ullock M.H. and Shoen A.H., Optimum polar satellite networks for continuous Earth coverage, AIAA Journal, 1963, vol. 1, pp. 69–72.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  13. Ulybyshev Y. Near-polar satellite constellations for continuous global coverage, Spacecraft and Rockets, 1999, vol. 36, no. 1, pp. 92–99.

    Article  ADS  Google Scholar 

  14. Walker J.G., Some circular orbit patterns providing continuous whole Earth coverage, British Interplanetary Society, 1971, vol. 24, no. 11, pp. 369–384.

    ADS  Google Scholar 

  15. Yuan B.F. and Matsushima K., Synthesis leo constellations for continuous global coverage, Trans. Japan Society on Aeronautical and Space Sci., 1994, vol. 37, no. 116, p. 96.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to S. Yu. Ulybyshev.

Additional information

Original Russian Text © S.Yu. Ulybyshev, 2015, published in Kosmicheskie Issledovaniya, 2015, Vol. 53, No. 4, pp. 332–344.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Ulybyshev, S.Y. Combined satellite systems for continuous global coverage in equatorial and polar circular orbits. Cosmic Res 53, 311–322 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1134/S0010952515040085

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1134/S0010952515040085

Keywords

Navigation