AAS 95-342

Orbit Plane Control Strategies for Inclined Geosynchronous Satellite Constellation

J. A. Kechichian, The Aerospace Corporation, El Segundo, CA

Abstract

The dynamics and control of the motion of the orbit planes of a constellation of five satellites in inclined geosynchronous orbits is discussed. A simple suboptimal orbit maintenance strategy that confines each individual orbit inclination within a pre-defined tolerance deadband is presented using fast analytic orbit prediction approximations as well as more exacting numerically integrated solutions. A more elaborate scheme that maintains the orbit planes evenly spaced at the equator is also depicted analytically, and the need to optimize the initial nodal configuration to minimize fuel expenditure over the constellation lifetime established.