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At least 37 records · Page 2

Use of elliptical orbits for a Ka-band personal access satellite system

The use of satellites in elliptical orbits for a Ka-band personal communications system application designed to provide voice and data service within the continental U.S. is examined. The impact of these orbits on system parameters such as signal carrier-to-noise ratio, roundtrip delay, Doppler shift, and satellite antenna size is quantized for satellites in two elliptical orbits, the Molniya and the ACE orbits. The number of satellites necessary for continuous CONUS coverage has been determined for the satellites in these orbits. The increased system complexity brought about by the use of satellites at such altitudes is discussed.

Motamedi, Masoud

High-precision orbit determination for high-earth elliptical orbiters using the Global Positioning System

Orbit covariance analyses pertaining to the Japanese VLBI Space Observatory Program (VSOP) MUSES-B satellite and to the International VLBI Satellite are presented. It is determined that a combination of Doppler and GPS measurements can provide the orbit accuracy required to support advanced radio interferometric experiments. For the VSOP, the required orbit accuracy of 130 m is easily met with two-way Doppler as the primary type of data; the 0.4 cm/s VSOP velocity requirement is also feasible provided that precise ground calibrations of tropospheric delays and station coordinates are available. It is concluded that combining the data from a VSOP GPS flight instrument with the ground GPS and two-way Doppler data will significantly enhance orbit determination accuracy in position and velocity.

Lichten, S. M.

A solution of the variational equations for elliptic orbits in rotating coordinates

For elliptic reference orbits, formulas are given for the perturbation state transition matrix of the two-body problem. The formulas relate perturbations expressed in a local vertical rotating coordinate system and are valid for motion in the linear neighborhood of reference orbits with e in the range of 0 to 1. The elements of the state transition matrix are expressed in terms of natural parameters (horizontal and radial velocity, radius, eccentricity, true anomaly, etc.) at the initial and final points. In addition to the general form, a simplified version, valid for small eccentricity orbits, is given.

Jones, J. B.

Measuring Highly Elliptical Orbits Using The GPS

Report discusses precise determination of highly elliptical orbits of spacecraft around Earth, by use of one of following techniques: (1) conventional two-way Doppler tracking of spacecraft from ground stations, (2) conventional two-way Doppler tracking from ground stations augmented by tropospheric-delay calibrations obtained at ground stations by simultaneous tracking of navigation satellites of Global Positioning System (GPS), or (3) method of item 2 augmented further by GPS tracking from GPS flight instrument aboard spacecraft. Analysis applies especially to scientific satellites carrying radio telescopes.

Lichten, Stephen M.

Modeling the Effects of Spacecraft Venting on Instrument Measurements of the Martian Atmosphere for an Elliptical Orbit

Analysis has been performed for MAVEN mission. Due to the elliptical orbit, large pressure variations in orbit will be experienced, there is a need to understand how internal pressures change and the flux of gas from vents could potentially bias instrument measurements. Goal of this analysis is to predict the effect that atmospheric gases trapped and vented from spacecraft volumes could have on instrument measurements.

Petro, Elaine

Elliptical orbit performance computer program

A FORTRAN coded computer program which generates and plots elliptical orbit performance capability of space boosters for presentation purposes is described. Orbital performance capability of space boosters is typically presented as payload weight as a function of perigee and apogee altitudes. The parameters are derived from a parametric computer simulation of the booster flight which yields the payload weight as a function of velocity and altitude at insertion. The process of converting from velocity and altitude to apogee and perigee altitude and plotting the results as a function of payload weight is mechanized with the ELOPE program. The program theory, user instruction, input/output definitions, subroutine descriptions and detailed FORTRAN coding information are included.

Myler, T. R.