Beyond GEO — using elliptical orbit constellations to multiply the space real estate

Draim, John E.; Inciardi, Richard; Proulx, Ron; Cefola, P. J.; Carter, David; Larsen, Duane E.

doi:10.1016/s0094-5765(02)00036-x

Cited by 12 publications

(1 citation statement)

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“…Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEOs) about the Earth are often selected for astrophysics and astronomy missions, as well as for Earth missions, such as Molniya or Tundra orbits, as they offer vantage point for the observation of the Earth and the Universe (Draim et al, 2002). Moreover, elliptical Geostationary Transfer Orbits are commonly selected to inject spacecraft in geostationary orbit.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Long-Term Evolution of Highly-Elliptical Orbits: Luni-Solar Perturbation Effects for Stability and Re-entry

Colombo

2019

Front. Astron. Space Sci.

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This paper investigates the long-term evolution of spacecraft in Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEOs). The single averaged disturbing potential due to luni-solar perturbations, zonal harmonics of the Earth gravity field is written in mean Keplerian elements. The double averaged potential is also derived in the Earth-centered equatorial system. Maps of long-term orbit evolution are constructed by measuring the maximum variation of the orbit eccentricity to identify conditions for quasi-frozen, long-lived libration orbits, or initial orbit conditions that naturally evolve toward re-entry in the Earth's atmosphere. The behavior of these long-term orbit maps is studied for increasing values of the initial orbit inclination and argument of the perigee with respect to the Moon's orbital plane. In addition, to allow meeting specific mission constraints, quasi-frozen orbits can be selected as graveyard orbits for the end-of-life of HEO missions, in the case re-entry option cannot be achieved due to propellant constraints. On the opposite side, unstable conditions can be exploited to target Earth re-entry at the end-of-mission.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%