Methods for accurately inserting satellite constellations into common orbit planes
June 10, 2018. Estimated Expiration Date is calculated based on simple USPTO term provisions. It does not account for terminal disclaimers, term adjustments, failure to pay maintenance fees, or other factors which might affect the term of a patent.Patent References 3836969 Method for controlling the attitude of a spinning body in orbit Method and apparatus for deploying a satellite network Method and system for formationfinding and formationkeeping in a constellation of satellites Satellite orbit maintenance system Constant sun angle transfer orbit sequence and method using electric propulsion Method and apparatus for stationkeeping a satellite offset by pitch rotation Patent #: 5813633 InventorsAssigneeApplicationNo. 095257 filed on 06/10/1998US Classes:701/226, Space orbits or paths342/355, With control of satellite altitude342/356, Synchronous satellite701/13Spacecraft or satelliteExaminersPrimary: Zanelli, Michael J.Assistant: Gibson, Eric M Attorney, Agent or FirmInternational ClassB64G 001/10AbstractMethods are provided for accurate insertion of a constellation of satellites into a common orbit plane with a mean inclination θ. In an embodiment of the invention, an initial satellite is inserted on an initial insertion date and, for each of subsequent satellites, a respective orbit insertion date is selected. With reference to the latter date, the initial insertion RAAN is updated to find a current RAAN. This updating is accomplished with knowledge of a regression rate of the initial satellite's orbit normal about a Q vector. With reference to the Q vector's inertial position, an instantaneous inclination that corresponds to the mean inclination θ and the updated RAAN is then derived. Finally, the subsequent satellite is injected into an orbit having the instantaneous inclination and the current RAAN.Other References
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