Accession Number:

ADA106026

Title:

The Geometry of Satellite Clusters.

Descriptive Note:

Technical rept.,

Corporate Author:

ROYAL AIRCRAFT ESTABLISHMENT FARNBOROUGH (ENGLAND)

Personal Author(s):

• Walker,J. G.

Report Date:

1981-07-01

Pagination or Media Count:

31.0

Abstract:

A preliminary examination has been made of some practical considerations affecting the choice of geometry for geosynchronous satellite clusters, including the constraints imposed by orbit dynamics, the effects of orbital perturbations and a possible need for spatial discrimination to allow re-use of inter-satellite link frequencies. Three cluster configurations which appear to deserve consideration involve satellites following, relative to the cluster centre. Author

Descriptors:

• *SYNCHRONOUS SATELLITES
• *EQUATORIAL ORBITS
• SPATIAL DISTRIBUTION
• CLUSTERING
• PERTURBATIONS
• DISCRIMINATION
• COMMUNICATION SATELLITES
• STATIONKEEPING
• UNITED KINGDOM

Subject Categories:

• Unmanned Spacecraft
• Spacecraft Trajectories and Reentry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE