Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The transfer of communication satellites from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) represents a critical phase in mission deployment, requiring precise orbital maneuvers to achieve optimal station-keeping parameters. This investigation quantifies the influence of launch site latitude on the delta-V (ΔV) requirements for GTO-to-GEO transfers, with particular emphasis on inclination correction costs. Key findings demonstrate that equatorial launch sites minimize ΔV expenditure by eliminating inclination change demands. In contrast, higher-latitude launches incur significant ΔV penalties—for instance, a 20° latitude launch requires an additional 189 m/s ΔV compared to equatorial launches, resulting in a four-year reduction in operational lifespan due to propellant consumption. The effect is more pronounced at mid-latitudes: launches from 42°N (e.g., Turkey) impose a ΔV penalty sufficient to reduce satellite lifespan by 12.8 years.While high-performance launch vehicles can partially offset these penalties through increased payload capacity, this solution introduces substantial cost and complexity trade-offs. The study concludes that equatorial launch sites offer distinct advantages for GEO missions, providing inherent ΔV savings that enhance both mission longevity and economic efficiency. These results underscore the critical importance of latitude-dependent ΔV considerations in launch site selection and mission architecture planning.
Author: İbrahim Öz
Institution: Ankara Yıldırım Beyazıt University
Language: English
Subfield: Aerospace Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7117166727