Design of Satellite Constellations Associated With Regional Positioning Systems,

Abstract

A low orbit satellite constellation which only provides navigation and positioning services for a certain specially designated region is capable of achieving the functions of global positioning systems. This system may possibly be what most nations hope for. Preliminary results show that, if it is desired to satisfy this requirement, there is a need for a satellite constellation composed of 27 low orbit satellites in five respective orbital planes in order to provide regional navigation and positioning services. From research associated with this article, it is proven that the concept of a regional positioning system formed from a low orbit satellite constellation is feasible. Although the number of individual satellites required is not necessarily a lot fewer compared to original global positioning systems, due to the low orbit satellites, however, delivery energies required by the satellites are, by contrast, much less compared to synchronous orbit satellites. This point should be an advantage which making use of low orbit satellite constellations to provide navigation and positioning functions can achieve.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 14, 1996
Accession Number
ADA306487

Entities

People

  • Ma Deming

Organizations

  • National Air and Space Intelligence Center

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Abstracts
  • Air Intelligence
  • Altitude
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Astronautics
  • Circular Orbits
  • Constellation Design
  • Constellations
  • Equations
  • Geosynchronous Satellites
  • Global Positioning Systems
  • Navigation
  • Observation
  • Orbits
  • Satellite Constellations
  • Satellite Orbits
  • Spacecraft

Readers

  • Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Technology.
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Satellites