Cited by 164Spacecraft Dynamics and ControlSatellite Communication SystemsSpace Satellite Systems and Control

The DOI matches its Crossref record; 1 of the 1 references it cites were found in a registry or an index.

Design of Satellite Constellations for Optimal Continuous Coverage

Beste, D.·1978·IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems

Abstract

A satellite-borne sensor can view a region at or above the Earth's surface. The size of this region depends on the satellite's altitude, the maximum range and scan angle of the sensor, the minimum above-the-horizon viewing angle required, the extent in altitude of the region to be viewed, and the maximum altitude of sensor obscuration by the atmosphere. Except for geosynchronous satellites this region moves relative to the Earth, so that constellations of satellites are generally necessary for continuous coverage. Satellite constellations which minimize the number of satellites required for continuous coverage are derived as a function of the angle subtended at the Earth's center by the coverage of a single satellite. This is done for single and triple continuous coverage of the entire Earth and of the polar regions extending to arbitrary latitude. Simple, cogent approximations for the configurations and numbers of satellites are found. Expressions which relate sensor capabilities and surveillance requirements to are presented. Examples are given to illustrate the use and accuracy of the results.

Overview

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Registry

Crossref · 10.1109/taes.1978.308608

Cites

1 of 1 references verified0 citation errors · 0 not checkable

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  • Classical methods leveraging symmetry usually lead to redundant coverage overlaps and therefore may not produce an optimal constellation design in terms of the number of satellites over a bounded local region.

    “However, this usually leads to redundant coverage overlaps and therefore may not produce an optimal constellation design in terms of the number of satellites over a bounded local region.”
  • Classical methods leveraging symmetry usually lead to redundant coverage overlaps and therefore may not produce an optimal constellation design in terms of the number of satellites over a bounded local region.

    “However, this usually leads to redundant coverage overlaps and therefore may not produce an optimal constellation design in terms of the number of satellites over a bounded local region.”

Citations

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Research works printed but not linked: 7

  1. 10.1109/TAES.1977.308403 · DOI
  2. smith, 1976, gps navstar global positioning system, AIAA Astronaut Aeronaut, 14, 26
  3. harney, 1965, Spaee Planners Guide
  4. beste, 1977, "Design of satellite constellations for optimal continuous coverage "
  5. jenson, 1962, Design Guide to Orbital Flight
  6. 1976, "Outlook for space "
  7. bekey, 1977, 1980-2000 raising our sights for advanced space systems, AIAA Astronaut Aeronaut, 14, 34

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Metadata

Authors
Beste, D.
Corresponding author
Beste, D.
Venue
IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems
Published
1978-05
Volume
AES-14
Issue
3
Pages
466-473
ISSN
0018-9251 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2059029094
Cited by
164
References
1
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 13 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 7 · 2022: 9 · 2021: 10 · 2020: 10 · 2019: 5 · 2018: 3 · 2017: 4 · 2016: 3 · 2015: 3 · 2014: 7 · 2013: 3 · 2012: 10
FWCI
5.93
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
IEEE Transactions on Aerospace and Electronic Systems (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Satellite Communication Systems
  • Physical Sciences › Engineering › Aerospace Engineering › Space Satellite Systems and Control
Keywords
satellite constellations, continuous coverage, Earth observation, constellation design, polar regions, surveillance requirements

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