Some applications of nonstationary geosynchronous orbits

The history of geostationary orbit development is briefly reviewed, along with current legal and political actions which are impacting the use of circular equatorial geosynchronous orbit. The concept of generalized, nonstationary geosynchronous orbits is presented, and orbital characteristics analyzed. Examples of periodic nonstationary orbits are presented by orbital projections on the equatorial plane, and by groundtrack. A variation of parameters study is done on the three significant orbital parameters. Expressions are derived for ground station and satellite antenna slew angles, and it is found that the proposed orbits offer a reduction in transfer propellant over geostationary orbit. A favorable orbit is selected for the example of a Solar Power Satellite program, and analyzed to find the permissible packing density of satellites. It is argued that generalized geosynchronous orbits present too broad a scope for effective international legislation, and should therefore always be available to potential users.