Авіаційно-космічна техніка та технологія (Oct 2023)
"Horizontal" observations of orbital objects by orbit-based devices: satellite grouping of total coverage of a given altitude range
Abstract
Promising approaches to updating multi-faceted information about space vehicles and objects of space debris involve the addition of networks of ground-based surveillance tools using satellite systems for observing near-Earth space, built on several orbital groups (segments). The purpose of the research is to develop the task of building a satellite system that provides total coverage of a given area of heights above the Earth's surface by the application zones of orbital-based devices that carry out "horizontal observations" (the axis of symmetry of the instantaneous zone of possible application of the "horizontal" observation device lies in the plane of the instantaneous local horizon space vehicle-device carrier). Results: 1) two "symmetrical" methods of solving the problem of choosing the parameters of the grouping of one of the segments of the satellite observation system, which has a well-known, often used structure based on the "rings" of spacecraft in symmetrically spaced orbital planes, have been developed (the grouping should ensure total coverage of the spherical layer in the altitude area of near-Earth space in its environment with the given parameters of the instantaneous cone-shaped zone of application of the observation device; the "width" of the covered spherical layer is chosen as a part of the layer that would be covered using observation devices with the given characteristics with an infinite number of spacecraft based on them); 2) the proposed approach to the construction of a satellite system of "horizontal" observations on several orbital groups of different heights, quasi-optimal according to the criterion of minimizing the number of spacecraft; 3) calculated examples of the application of the developed methods are given, and several approximate estimates are made regarding the implementation of systems based on "horizontal" observations. Conclusions: satellite systems for observing orbital objects based on "vertical" (in the radial direction) observations can be supplemented with the implementation of "horizontal" observations.
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