Orbit Maneuver for Responsive Coverage Using Electric Propulsion

<p>The use of continuous electric propulsion to manipulate a satellite's orbit offers significant potential for enhancing coverage of a target in ways not previously considered. Elliptical orbits utilizing a very low perigee can facilitate access to the surface and atmosphere of the Earth at sub-ionosphere altitudes while counteracting atmospheric drag forces using continuous electric propulsion. Additionally in-plane and out-of-plane manipulation of both circular and elliptical orbits can allow for passage of a satellite over a target at a given time. Sustained low perigee orbit was modeled with an initial perigee altitude of 100 km and various apogee altitudes to derive a range of apogee altitudes that could sustain the orbit. Operation was demonstrated for current as well as future thruster capabilities. To evaluate opportunities for a scheduled access circular and various elliptical orbits were modeled using continuous thrust. It was found that electric propulsion was capable of improving potential temporal access of a target to 30% for circular orbits and nearly 70% for elliptical orbits Recommendations include further modeling of low perigee orbits and the effects of atmospheric variation at solar extremes on mission lifetime. Derivation of optimal thrust duration and angle could greatly enhance the performance of the thruster and warrants continued research. Finally the use of responsive maneuver operationally will require development of a scheduling algorithm to plan passage over a given target at a given time.</p><p>This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore you will see the original copyright references library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world) and other notations in the work.</p><p>This work is in the public domain in the United States of America and possibly other nations. Within the United States you may freely copy and distribute this work as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.</p><p>As a reproduction of a historical artifact this work may contain missing or blurred pages poor pictures errant marks etc. Scholars believe and we concur that this work is important enough to be preserved reproduced and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.</p>