Simulation of the Impacts of Satellite Orbit Parameters on the Number and Distribution of LEO‐LEO Occultation Events

Abstract

AbstractThe character of LEO‐LEO satellite occultation events is well discussed in this paper. The impact of satellite orbit parameters on the number and distribution of occultation events are discussed based on simulation. The following conclusions are drawn. 1) The orbit parameters that have relatively greater influence on the number and latitudinal distribution of annual occultation events are orbit inclination (I), orbit height (H), Right Ascension of Ascending Node (RAAN) and Argument of Perigee (AP) in turn. All four parameters have little impact on the longitudinal distribution of annual occultation events. 2) The orbit inclinations of Transmitting Satellite (TS) and Receiving Satellite (RS) impact both LEO‐LEO occultation events number and their latitudinal distribution most. The number of occultation events reaches the maximum as the sum of the two inclination angles nears 180 degrees. The one that far away from 90 degrees of the two inclination angles determines the latitude range of the occultation events. 3) LEO‐LEO occultation events number reaches a maximum when the heights of TS and RS are the same, and it reaches the maximum when the heights of TS and RS are 600 km. 4) The RAAN of TS and RS has a great influence on the LEO‐LEO occultation number, but has little influence on occultation distribution. The number of occultation events reaches the maximum as the RAAN difference is around 120 and 240 degrees. 5) The AP has little influence on LEO‐LEO occultation number and distribution. The results can be referenced when determining the parameters of LEO‐LEO occultation satellites.