NASA Logo

NTRS

NTRS - NASA Technical Reports Server

Back to Results
Application of altitude control techniques for low altitude earth satellitesThe applications sensors of many low altitude earth satellites designed for recording surface or atmospheric data require near zero orbital eccentricities for maximum usefulness. Coverage patterns and altitude profiles require specified values of orbit semimajor axis. Certain initial combinations of semimajor axis, eccentricity, and argument of perigee can produce a so called 'frozen orbit' and minimum altitude variation which enhances sensor coverage. This paper develops information on frozen orbits and minimum altitude variation for all inclinations, generalizing previous results. In the altitude regions where most of these satellites function (between 200 and 1000 kilometers) strong atmospheric drag effects influence the evolution of the initial orbits. Active orbital maneuver control techniques to correct evolution of orbit parameters while minimizing the frequency of maneuvers are presented. The paper presents the application of theoretical techniques for control of near frozen orbits and expands upon the methods useful for simultaneously targeting several inplane orbital parameters. The applications of these techniques are illustrated by performance results from the Atmosphere Explorer (AE-3 and -5) missions and in preflight maneuver analysis and plans for the Seasat Oceanographic Satellite.
Document ID
19780047981
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Nickerson, K. G.
(Computer Sciences Corp. Silver Spring, MD, United States)
Herder, R. W.
(Computer Sciences Corp. Silver Spring, MD, United States)
Glass, A. B.
(Computer Sciences Corp. Silver Spring, Md., United States)
Cooley, J. L.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, Md., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1977
Subject Category
Spacecraft Design, Testing And Performance
Accession Number
78A31890
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

Available Downloads

There are no available downloads for this record.
No Preview Available