ORBITAL ALTITUDE FOR MAXIMUM LIFETIME OF A SATELLITE CAPABLE OF SUSTAINED THRUST.
Abstract
The existence of an optimum altitude for maximum lifetime and the effect of vehicle parameters on this altitude are investigated by varying the parameters within realistic limits and plotting the results on satellite lifetime versus orbital altitude coordinates. Only circular orbits are considered. For a chemical rocket sustaining system, maximum lifetime is achieved when the satellite is placed as high as possible. For an ion propulsion sustaining device, a maximum value of total lifetime results when the satellite is placed in orbit in the neighborhood of 10 nautical miles below the maximum altitude attainable. The maximum value is of the order of only one percent greater than the value of total lifetime that results when the satellite is placed as high as possible. For both sustaining systems, a significant increase in total lifetime at lower altitudes can be achieved. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0612066
Entities
People
- Conrad O. Forsythe
Organizations
- University of Arizona