Problem “13” for geostationary spacecraft

Abstract

We consider the problem of ensuring an energy balance of geostationary spacecraft (SCs) that will arise on October 13, 2015, during the long-duration eclipse of the solar disk visible from the SC by the Moon and the Earth. A technique for assessment of the eclipse duration, taking into account the shaded area of visible solar disk, is set forth, and results of calculating the eclipse conditions for different SC “stationary” points in the geostationary orbit are given. The data presented will allow the specialists to be prepared in advance for specific ballistic conditions of SC operation at this date and to plan operations to ensure the power balance of the SC power supply system during the prolonged shading of the Sun by the Moon and the Earth.