Method and a system for launching satellites simultaneously on n

Details Method and a system for launching satellites simultaneously on n Method and a system for launching satellites simultaneously on n

1997-12-30

1999-10-05

Carone, Michael J.

Aeronautics and astronautics

Spacecraft

Spacecraft formation, orbit, or interplanetary path

244164, 244172, B64G 100, B64G 124, B64G 140

Patent

active

059610778

ABSTRACT:
A launcher places a first satellite practically directly on a final orbit. A second satellite carried by the same launcher is initially transferred onto a waiting orbit that is highly elliptical, having a semi-major axis situated in the initial orbital plane. The inclination and the perigee of the waiting orbit are then changed in the vicinity of the apogee of the waiting orbit, thereby placing the second satellite on an intermediate orbit. A maneuver is performed that includes at least one step making use of atmospheric braking in the vicinity of perigee of the intermediate orbit so as to lower the altitude of apogee of the intermediate orbit, and an impulse is supplied to the second satellite at apogee of the intermediate orbit so as to raise its perigee and transform the intermediate orbit into a final orbit having orbital parameters whose values are substantially different from those of the orbital parameters of the final orbit of the first satellite.

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Vinh et al., Nguyen X., "Explicit Guidance of Drag-Modulated Aeroassisted ansfer Between Elliptical Orbits" Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, vol. 9, No. 3, May 1986, Austin, Texas, pp. 274-280.
Mathews et al., Michael, "Efficient Spacecraft Formationkeeping With Consideration of Ballistic Coefficient Control" AIAA 26th Aerospace Sciences Meeting, Jan. 11-14/ 1988, Reno, Nevada.
Atzei et al., A., "Soho and Cluster: Europe's Possible Contribution to the ISTP" ESA Bulletin, No. 41, Feb. 1985, Paris, France, pp. 21-28.
Fu, Ho-Ling et al., "On the High Eccentricity Aerobraking Orbit Transfer Problem, with Parametric Analysis and Numerical Study" Ph.D. Thesis, Colorado University, Boulder, Colorado, Jan. 1992.

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