Satellite Constellations
Abstract
The present investigation is concerned with the coverage of the earth's surface by multiple-satellite systems, taking into account results reported by Walker (1982). The considered studies have investigated systems with satellites following multiple circular orbits of equal period, providing continuous multiple (rather than only single) coverage of the entire surface of the earth. Attention is given to criteria regarding the selection of a satellite constellation, regular polyhedra and tesselations, practical satellite constellations related to delta patterns, sigma patterns, and omega patterns. Data concerning sigma patterns are presented in tables.
- Publication:
-
Journal of the British Interplanetary Society
- Pub Date:
- December 1984
- Bibcode:
- 1984JBIS...37..559W
- Keywords:
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- Satellite Networks;
- Satellite Orbits;
- Constellations;
- Distance;
- Global Positioning System;
- Tables (Data);
- Astrodynamics