Sun Synchronization of Low Earth Orbits (LEO) through Inclination Angle

S. Cakaj (Kosovo), M. Fischer, and A.L. Scholtz (Austria)

Keywords

LEO, satellite, Sun, elevation

Abstract

Orbits represent the resource of the satellite communication. Microsatellites in Low Earth Orbits (LEO) have been in use for the past two decades. Low Earth Orbit satellites are used for public communication and also for scientific purposes. Thus, it may be expected that such scientific missions will be further developed in the near future especially in fields where similar experiments by purely Earth-based means are impracticable [1]. These missions are mainly based on photo imagery records. The Sun’s position it is very important for photo imagery, in order the observed area from the satellite to be treated under the same lighting (illumination) conditions. This could be achieved by keeping a constant Sun position related to the orbital plane due to the Earth’s motion around the Sun. This is called Sun synchronization for low Earth orbits. How the Sun synchronization for low orbits is identified, achieved, predictive controlled and optimized through the inclination angle it is presented through this paper. Simulation approach with few results is presented, also.

Important Links:



Go Back