Efficient stationkeeping strategy for the three apogee (TAP) orbit

摘要

A stationkeeping strategy for a satellite disposed in a TAP orbit includes controlling parameters of the orbit such that, for a constellation of two satellites disposed in the orbit, the constellation provides substantially continuous coverage of a polar region. The stationkeeping strategy includes one or more of: establishing an initial Right Ascension of Ascending Node (RAAN) of the operational orbit such that naturally caused orbital drift results in a mid-life RAAN of approximately 0 degrees (360 degrees); and controlling Argument of Perigee (ARGP), only indirectly, by performing orbit maintenance maneuvers only to directly control one or more of the operational orbit apogee altitude, the operational orbit perigee altitude, and inclination within a respective required range.