The geometry of satellite clusters.

A preliminary examination has been made of some practical considerations affecting the choice of geometry for geosynchronous satellite clusters, including the constraints imposed by orbit dynamics, the effects of orbital perturbations and a possible need for spatial discrimination to allow reuse of inter-satellite link frequencies. Three cluster configurations which appear to deserve consideration involve satellites following, relative to the cluster centre: a common elliptical path in the equatorial plane; a common circular path tilted at 30 deg to the horizontal; and separate elliptical paths in parallel vertical planes inclined to the equatorial plane.