Continuous Whole-Earth Coverage by Circular-Orbit Satellite Patterns.

摘要

Earlier studies of continuous whole-Earth coverage by patterns of satellites in equal-period circular orbits have been extended by means of a computer program to patterns of up to 25 satellites and to the provision of up to seven-fold continuous coverage. The program is described and various factors which may influence the choice of pattern for a particular application are discussed, including the level of coverage provided, the minimum satellite separation, and the number and form of the Earth-tracks traced by a pattern at a particular orbital altitude. A method is given of selecting a short-list of potentially suitable patterns, prior to detailed study. (Author)