PARAMETRIC ANALYSIS OF MEDIUM-ALTITUDE ACTIVE AND PASSIVE COMMUNICATION SATELLITES.
Abstract
An investigation was made of the broad systems aspects of medium altitude active and passive satellites for possible use in a military communication network. The two types of satellite systems are compared primarily on an economic basis, with randomly spaced, medium-altitude orbits assumed. A specific, ten-station, globeencircling network is used to study the trunkline communications which would be available between main military bases at various locations. A set of system requirements is defined in order to provide a basis for comparison. In performing the analysis, emphasis is placed on system considerations. The comparison is carried out in the form of a parametric analysis. Active and passive satellite models, representative of current state of the art, are defined; and simple mathematical models provide weight and cost variations for the models as a function of satellite capabilities. Satellite performance, orbital altitude and inclination angle are allowed to vary. On the basis of cost and orbital payload capability of two specific launch vehicles, orbital subsystem costs are determined. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 20, 1963
- Accession Number
- AD0428311