Technique for satellite constellation growth
First Claim
1. In conjunction with a satellite constellation including a plurality of satellites in a plurality of orbital planes with each of the orbital planes precessing at a precession rate, a method of inserting a new orbital plane in the satellite constellation comprising the steps of:
- determining the precession rate for each of the orbital planes according to W=k(a−
7/2)(cos i)(1−
e2)31 2, where k is substantially equal to −
2.06474×
1014, a is the semi-major axis, e is the eccentricity, and i is the inclination;
varying at least one of the variables a, e, and i to increase a separation distance between two adjacent orbital planes of the plurality of orbital planes; and
inserting a new orbital plane between the two adjacent orbital planes.
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Abstract
Due to the large up front cost in fielding a full capacity satellite constellation (100), it is desirable to have the ability to modify the constellation after deployment to add more capacity in a fashion that does not interrupt service, in order to satisfy a variable or growing market demand. In a satellite constellation including a plurality of orbital planes, each of the orbital planes precesses at a known rate. This invention employs deliberate dynamic manipulation of the orbital precession rates for different satellite planes to increase the separation distance between two adjacent planes. A new plane is then inserted between the two adjacent planes to increase the number of planes and increase the capacity. By continuing a gradual variation, a new orbital plane can be added periodically, e.g. once a year, and the variation can be stopped when no additional orbital planes are desired.
47 Citations
10 Claims
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1. In conjunction with a satellite constellation including a plurality of satellites in a plurality of orbital planes with each of the orbital planes precessing at a precession rate, a method of inserting a new orbital plane in the satellite constellation comprising the steps of:
-
determining the precession rate for each of the orbital planes according to W=k(a−
7/2)(cos i)(1−
e2)31 2, where k is substantially equal to −
2.06474×
1014, a is the semi-major axis, e is the eccentricity, and i is the inclination;
varying at least one of the variables a, e, and i to increase a separation distance between two adjacent orbital planes of the plurality of orbital planes; and
inserting a new orbital plane between the two adjacent orbital planes. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification