Two methods for calculating the out-of-plane maneuvers required to maintain the ICESat ground track at high latitudes have been developed. Both methods are based on the comparison of the perturbed ground track with a repeating reference at the apex of each orbit. The optimal set of maneuvers for the 5-year ICESat mission was determined by parameter optimization using the downhill simplex method. Comparison of the targeting schemes with the single-arc and lifetime optimum set of maneuvers showed that the improved latitude targeting scheme is both an effective and efficient method for calculating the required maneuvers.
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