Orbital motion of the solar power satellite
Abstract
A study on the effects of solar radiation pressure on the SPS orbit is documented. It was shown that the eccentricity of the orbit can increase from initially being zero. The SPS configuration is primarily considered but the results are applicable to any geosynchronous satellite that resembles a flat surface continually facing the sun. The orbital evolution of the SPS was investigated over its expected 30 year lifetime and the satellite was assumed to be in free flight. The satellite's motion was described with analytical formulae which could be used to develop an orbit control theory in order to minimize station keeping costs.
- Publication:
-
NASA STI/Recon Technical Report N
- Pub Date:
- May 1977
- Bibcode:
- 1977STIN...7815148G
- Keywords:
-
- Artificial Satellites;
- Radiation Pressure;
- Solar Energy;
- Solar Radiation;
- Spacecraft Motion;
- Energy Technology;
- Satellite Configurations;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Launch Vehicles and Space Vehicles