EROS SYSTEM - SATELLITE ORBIT AND CONSTELLATION DESIGN

摘要

The EROS (Earth Resources Observation System) program conducted by ImageSat International N.V. intends to operate a constellation of 8 commercial imaging satellites in LEO (Low Earth Orbit). The first satellite, EROS-A1, was successfully launched by a Russian START-1 launcher on December 5th, 2000, and is presently successfully operating with 1.8 meter to 1.0-meter resolution. This article presents the requirements and considerations regarding the choice of the orbits for a single- and multi-satellite imaging system. The main parameters determining the orbit are: imaging conditions, accessibility and revisit requirements. Two kinds of orbits were compared: Sun-synchronous orbits and inclined orbits. The altitude choice and technique for the Sun-synchronous orbits, providing required ground track repeatability and revisit are analyzed. The final parameters of EROS orbit and constellation are described. Finally, EROS satellites, as well as the proposed services, are presented.