Analytical performance assessment of orbital configurations
Abstract
The system analysis of an orbital communication network of N satellites has been conducted. Specifically, the problem of connecting, in an optimal way, a set of ground-based laser transmitters to a second set of ground receivers on another part of the earth via a number of relay satellites fitted with retroreflectors has been addressed. A computer program has been developed which can treat either the so-called 'single-bounce' or 'double-bounce' cases. Sample results included in this paper consider a double-bounce orbital network composed of 12 relay satellites in 6 hour elliptical orbits together with 16 transceiver (delivery) satellites in 4.8 hour elliptical orbits.
- Publication:
-
AIAA, Astrodynamics Specialist Conference
- Pub Date:
- August 1981
- Bibcode:
- 1981aiaa.confQT...H
- Keywords:
-
- Optical Communication;
- Orbital Elements;
- Performance Prediction;
- Satellite Networks;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Satellite Transmission;
- Communication Networks;
- Computer Programs;
- Computerized Simulation;
- Ground Stations;
- Relay Satellites;
- Systems Analysis;
- Space Communications, Spacecraft Communications, Command and Tracking