Session
Poster Session IV
Event Website
https://www.smallsat.org/
Abstract
Design, implementation and operation of constellations using Smallsats are discussed. Due to the modest budgets allocated for these small spacecraft, economic considerations are paramount and optimal results must be obtained with a minimum number of spacecraft. Favorable orbits, preferably low Earth orbits (LEO) with minimum inclination, reduce launch cost and optimize Earth observation and communications, however mission requirements and/or rideshare opportunities may involve higher altitude and/or inclination. Candidate orbits including circular LEO with equatorial near-zero inclination, moderate inclination, polar and sun-synchronous inclinations are considered. The focus is on 600 km altitude since this lies within the regime currently used by Smallsats. High- altitude orbits including highly elliptical cases such as geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), circular geosynchronous (GEO) and the super-synchronous graveyard orbit are also covered since these can be reached using rideshares on commercial GEO spacecraft. Various types of constellations including single-plane, Walker Pattern, Streets of Coverage, Rosette and hybrids are discussed. Coverage of selected geographical regions, zones and the entire Earth is presented. Means to return data from LEO spacecraft using a modest number of low-cost ground platforms are discussed. A simplified launcher performance model is used to assess relative payload performance for various candidate orbits.
Included in
Constellation Design Considerations for Smallsats
Design, implementation and operation of constellations using Smallsats are discussed. Due to the modest budgets allocated for these small spacecraft, economic considerations are paramount and optimal results must be obtained with a minimum number of spacecraft. Favorable orbits, preferably low Earth orbits (LEO) with minimum inclination, reduce launch cost and optimize Earth observation and communications, however mission requirements and/or rideshare opportunities may involve higher altitude and/or inclination. Candidate orbits including circular LEO with equatorial near-zero inclination, moderate inclination, polar and sun-synchronous inclinations are considered. The focus is on 600 km altitude since this lies within the regime currently used by Smallsats. High- altitude orbits including highly elliptical cases such as geosynchronous transfer orbit (GTO), circular geosynchronous (GEO) and the super-synchronous graveyard orbit are also covered since these can be reached using rideshares on commercial GEO spacecraft. Various types of constellations including single-plane, Walker Pattern, Streets of Coverage, Rosette and hybrids are discussed. Coverage of selected geographical regions, zones and the entire Earth is presented. Means to return data from LEO spacecraft using a modest number of low-cost ground platforms are discussed. A simplified launcher performance model is used to assess relative payload performance for various candidate orbits.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/smallsat/2016/Poster4/8
