Journal of Space Science and Technology

Journal of Space Science and Technology

Deployment of Small Satellite Constellations Using the Effect of the Earth’s Oblateness

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Authors
1 Ph.D. Candidate, Faculty of Aerospace, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
2 Associate Professor, Faculty of Aerospace, Malek-Ashtar University of Technology, Tehran, Iran
Abstract
Recent advancements in space technology have sparked significant interest in small satellite constellations, primarily due to their reduced costs, quicker development cycles, and improved capabilities. Although the costs associated with launching these satellites remain high, innovative strategies are emerging that offer alternatives to conventional deployment methods for positioning constellations in their designated orbits. These deployment strategies can be broadly categorized into two types: direct and indirect. This paper explores an indirect deployment method that utilizes Earth's oblateness perturbation alongside the satellite's propulsion subsystem to position satellites across multiple orbital planes. The method has been rigorously simulated and analyzed in the context of two operational satellite constellations, each serving distinct purposes—remote sensing and global internet provision. Furthermore, a comprehensive launch and deployment strategy has been developed and applied to a regional satellite navigation system, consisting of 130 satellites designed to serve Iran. This approach emphasizes the influence of Earth's shape on satellite orbits to optimize deployment efficiency. The analysis focuses on key parameters such as the time required for deployment and the necessary change in velocity (ΔV). The study demonstrates how leveraging the natural nodal precession caused by Earth's oblateness can significantly enhance the deployment process, reducing fuel consumption and operational costs. This approach presents a promising alternative for future satellite constellation deployments, offering both economic and technical advantages.
Keywords
Subjects

Article Title Persian

روانه سازی منظومه های ماهواره ای کوچک با استفاده از اثر عدم کرویت زمین

Authors Persian

سید جواد موسوی ترکمانی 1
مهدی جعفری 2
رضا زردشتی 2
1 دانشجوی دکتری، مجتمع دانشگاهی هوافضا، دانشگاه صنعتی مالک اشتر، تهران، ایران
2 دانشیار، مجتمع دانشگاهی هوافضا، دانشگاه صنعتی مالک اشتر، تهران، ایران
Abstract Persian

در سال‌های اخیر علاقه به استفاده از منظومه‌­های ماهواره‌­های کوچک به دلیل کاهش هزینه و زمان و همچنین قابلیت­‌های بیشتر ماهواره‌­های کوچک، افزایش یافته است. این در حالی‌است که امروزه به دلیل هزینه‌­های زیاد پرتاب، استراتژی‌­های روانه­‌سازی جدید جایگزین روش­های سنتی روانه‌­سازی منظومه‌­ها به مدارهای هدف شده‌­اند. بسته به مأموریت منظومه روش‌­های مختلفی برای پرتاب و روانه‌سازی ماهواره‌­ها در مدار مأموریت ارائه شده‌­اند که در یک تقسیم‌­بندی کلان در یکی از دو دستۀ مستقیم یا غیرمستقیم قرار می­گیرند. در این مقاله یک روش غیرمستقیم برای روانه­‌سازی ماهواره­‌های یک منظومه به چند صفحۀ مداری مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است که روشی بهینه بوده و اساس آن، تغییر صفحات مداری با استفادۀ مثبت از اختلال عدم کرویت زمین در کنار استفاده از زیرسیستم پیشرانش ماهواره است. این روش برای دو منظومۀ ماهواره­ای واقعی با مأموریت­‌های سنجش از دور و ارائه اینترنت جهانی شبیه­‌سازی شده و مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است. همچنین بر مبنای این روش، استراتژی پرتاب و روانه‌سازی برای یک منظومۀ ناوبری ماهواره­ای منطقه‌­ای با پوشش کشور ایران و با 130 ماهواره، طراحی و پیاده­‌سازی شده است. نتایج به‌دست ‌آمده از نظر زمان لازم برای روانه­‌سازی و  موردنیاز مورد بررسی قرار گرفته است.

Keywords Persian

منظومه‌های ماهواره‌ای
روانه‌سازی منظومه
تقدم گره
عدم کرویت زمین
مانور تغییر صفحه
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  • Receive Date 08 October 2023
  • Revise Date 15 December 2023
  • Accept Date 20 December 2023
  • First Publish Date 30 December 2023