N-hour repeating equatorial orbit: a new method for remote sensing satellites

A retrograde equatorial satellite system concept for optical observation of space debris in GEO belt

“…Since the objects in GEO belt are stationary or in figure-8-shape motion with respect to the Earth's surface, the MEERO satellite used for high temporal resolution observations of the Earth can also be used to observe the GEO belt. Furthermore, the equatorial satellite could revisit the same GEO belt object at multiple determined local times every day through a special design process [6]. The concept of N-hour repeating MEERO was introduced [5] [6].…”

“…Furthermore, the equatorial satellite could revisit the same GEO belt object at multiple determined local times every day through a special design process [6]. The concept of N-hour repeating MEERO was introduced [5] [6].…”

“…The definition of N-hour repeating equatorial orbit is: starting from the current longitude of subsatellite point, the satellite returns to this longitude for the first time after N hours [5]. Therefore, the design process of a retrograde N-hour repeating MEERO is given below [6]. On the basis of Figure 3, the semi-major axis 0 a corresponding to a specific N of a retrograde MEERO could be solved as:…”

“…On the basis of previous work of authors [5] [6], this paper introduces a new design scheme of GEO objects monitoring satellite system based on the concept of 180° inclination retrograde Medium Earth Equatorial Repeating Orbit (MEERO). This satellite system could achieve a 2-hour revisit capability of GEO belt objects by a single satellite, with a maximum spatial resolution better than 2m based on the current optical remote sensing payload technology.…”