Work

Sun-synchronous repeat ground tracks and other useful orbits for future space missions

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT The development of oceanography and meteorology has greatly benefited from satellite-based data of Earth’s atmosphere and ocean. Traditional Earth observation missions have utilised Sun-synchronous orbits with repeat ground tracks due to their advantages in visible and infrared wavelengths. However, diversification of observation wavelengths and massive deployment of miniaturised satellites are both enabling and necessitating new kinds of space missions. This paper proposes several unconventional satellite orbits intended for use in, but not limited to, Earth observation. This ‘toolbox’ of orbits and taxonomy thereof will thus support the definition of design requirements for the individual satellites in nano-satellite constellations developed by national space agencies, industries and academia.

Source: The Aeronautical Journal

DOI: 10.1017/aer.2020.21

Authors: S.W. Paek, S. Kim, L. Kronig, O. de Weck

Institutions: Samsung (South Korea), Korea Institute of Science and Technology, École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Spacecraft Dynamics and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

OpenAlex ID: W3011708075

FWCI: 0.62

Cites: 22

Cited by: 16

Related to: 10