Optimal Design of Satellite Constellation Korean Peninsula Regions

Designing satellite constellations providing partial coverage of certain regions becomes more important as small low-altitude satellites receives an increasing attention due to its cost-effectiveness analysis. Generally, Walker's method is a standard constellation method for global coverage but...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Nam-Kyun Kim, Sang-Young Park, Young-Rok Kim, Kyu-Hong Choi
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: The Korean Space Science Society 2008-06-01
Series:Journal of Astronomy and Space Sciences
Subjects:
Online Access:http://ocean.kisti.re.kr/downfile/volume/kosss/OJOOBS/2008/v25n2/OJOOBS_2008_v25n2_181.pdf
Description
Summary:Designing satellite constellations providing partial coverage of certain regions becomes more important as small low-altitude satellites receives an increasing attention due to its cost-effectiveness analysis. Generally, Walker's method is a standard constellation method for global coverage but not effective for partial coverage. The purpose of this study is to design optimal constellation of satellites for effective observation in Korean peninsula regions. In this study, a new constellation design method is presented for partial coverage, using direct control of satellites' orbital elements. And also, a ground repeating circular orbit is considered for each satellite's orbit with the Earth oblateness effect. As the results, at least four satellites are required to observe the Korean peninsula regions effectively when minimum elevation angle is assumed as 12 degrees. The results from new method are better than those from the best Walker method. The proposed algorithm will be useful to design satellite constellation missions of Korea in future.
ISSN:2093-5587
2093-1409