Constellations of elliptical inclined lunar orbits providing polar and global coverage

Abstract

Prior results have developed a methodology for selecting a long-lived constellation of three satellites that provide persistent, stable coverage to either the North or South Pole with no requirement for stationkeeping under the influence of only gravitational perturbations. In the present study, the sensitivity of this coverage in the presence of nongravitational forces is determined, and a design strategy is formulated that minimizes any potential sensitivity to these accelerations. The class of orbits and methods are extended to the search for global coverage constellations of six satellites. Two constellations are designed that provide 99.999% global coverage for a ten-year period also without the need for any deterministic orbit maintenance.