ANALYTIC ORBIT DESIGN FOR EARTH SITES OBSERVATION Conference Paper uri icon

abstract

  • Satellite observations of specific Earth sites/regions usually require the use of compatible (resonant) orbits. If the observing sensor is optimized for a given altitude then the orbit must also be circular. This work provides an analytical study of the satellite ground track of any compatible and circular orbits for a full repetition cycle. The purpose is to provide analytical derivation of all the points in which the ground track crosses itself, here called X-points. The geographical locations of these points and the approximate expressions of the associated dwell times allow to develop optimal orbit design to best serve the mission.

published proceedings

  • SPACEFLIGHT MECHANICS 2011, PTS I-III

author list (cited authors)

  • de Dilectis, F., & Mortari, D.

complete list of authors

  • de Dilectis, Francesco||Mortari, Daniele

publication date

  • October 2011