Tundra Constellation Design and Stationkeeping

Author

Michael J. Bruno
Henry J. Pernicka, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow

Abstract

Constellations or satellites in Tundra orbits provide an innovative alternative to the increasingly crowded geostationary orbit belt. the Tundra constellation uses three or more spacecraft in inclined geosynchronous orbits. the nominal orbit design for the constellation must minimize any undesirable perturbation effects to provide affordable stationkeeping costs. We describe a study of the Tundra orbit regime and design of constellations given a sample set of basic constraints. Frozen and partially frozen orbits are then sought from which to construct constellations allowing for reduced stationkeeping requirements. Perturbation effects from third-body and geopotential sources are quantified and used to select orbits that will provide the needed coverage while providing a reasonable propellant budget.

Recommended Citation

M. J. Bruno and H. J. Pernicka, "Tundra Constellation Design and Stationkeeping," Journal of Spacecraft and Rockets, vol. 42, no. 5, pp. 902 - 912, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Jan 2005.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.2514/1.7765

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1533-6794; 0022-4650

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2024 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 2005