Abstract
This paper presents the methods and results for the trajectory design and optimization for the low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in formation to observe the geostationary orbit (GEO) satellites’ beams. The background of the trajectory design mission is the 9th China Trajectory Optimization Competition (CTOC9). The formation is designed according to the observation demands. The flying sequence is determined by a reference satellite using a proposed improved ephemeris matching method (IEMM). The formation is changed, maintained and transferred following the reference satellite employing a multi-impulse control method (MICM). Then the total observation value is computed by propagating the orbits of the satellites according to the sequence and transfer strategies. Based on the above methods, we have obtained a fourth prize in the CTOC9. The proposed methods are not only fit for this competition, but can also be used to fulfill the trajectory design missions for similar multi-object explorations.
Highlights
Geostationary orbit (GEO) plays an important role in communication, navigation, and other areas [1] [2]
The flying sequence is determined by a reference satellite using a proposed improved ephemeris matching method (IEMM)
In order to monitor the 11th geostationary orbit (GEO) satellite whose beam is locating at the highest latitude, we raise the apogees of the three orbits and make the formation be a triangle parallel with the orbit plane to reach the beam
Summary
Geostationary orbit (GEO) plays an important role in communication, navigation, and other areas [1] [2]. This principal characteristic of the GEO makes it suitable for communication and navigation satellites [4]. It is essential of the frequency resources for construction of the communication and navigation satellites’ systems [5]. It is of significance to monitor the usage of the frequency resources of GEO satellites. Based on this background, problem A of CTOC9 has considered the orbit design and optimization mission for the low earth orbit (LEO) satellites in formation to observe the GEO satellites’ beams [6].
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