Circular Orbit Patterns Providing Continuous Whole Earth Coverage

Abstract

A study has been made of circular orbit patterns which ensure that every point on the earth's surface can always see at least one satellite (or two satellites for double coverage) above some minimum elevation angle. It is shown that five or six high altitude satellites can provide single coverage, and seven or nine satellites double coverage, at elevation angles which represent a significant improvement over previously published values; and a generalized approach to such coverage assessments is presented.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 1970
Accession Number
AD0722776

Entities

People

  • J. G. Walker

Organizations

  • Royal Aircraft Establishment

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Circular Orbits
  • Communication Systems
  • Elevation
  • Equatorial Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Orbits
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • High Altitude
  • Latitude
  • Mobile Communications
  • New York
  • Orbits
  • Orientation (Direction)
  • Polar Orbits
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Standards

Readers

  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Tactical Satellite Communications Systems Engineering.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites