Determination of the daily start window for a geostationary communications satellite

It is noted that certain restructions exist in the transfer phase of a geostationary satellite, which are the results of demands on the thermal environment, energy supply and orientation. In addition, the shadow phase should not exceed a certain period and no shadow periods should occur at all near the apogee. The determination of the start window is presented for a typical spin stabilized configuration. A start window is obtained for every day of the year, noting that at the end and middle of the year, certain compromises must be made with regard to sun aspect angle.