Eclipse Fractions for Sun-Synchronous Orbits
Abstract
Eclipse fraction is defined as the fraction of the orbital period that a satellite spends in the earth's shadow. This fraction is of great importance to any satellite which depends on a sun energizing unit (e.g., solar cell) for its electrical power. Sun - synchronous orbits possess unusual eclipsing properties because of the unique orbital characteristic which defines them. The purpose of this study is to determine the characteristics of non-eclipsed sunsynchronous orbits (providing they exist) and the time history and average value of the eclipse fraction for those orbits which are eclipsed. Comparisons with non-sunsynchronous orbits are made. The effects of atmospheric drag, lunar and solar gravitational fields, injection errors, oblate earth geometry, atmospheric refraction of the sun's rays and the eccentricity of the earth's orbit are examined. Comparisons with the investigations of other authors are made.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 10, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0603152
Entities
People
- H. K. Karrenberg
Organizations
- The Aerospace Corporation