Determine the Optimal Orbit for an Earth Observation Satellite Considering the Power

Abstract

Orbital parameters are raised as one of the main inputs of electrical power subsystem and thermal control subsystem of a satellite. Some variables such as eclipse time, sun incidence angle to the panels, albedo and thermal radiation of Earth are dependent on satellite orbital features. In this paper, all of the parameters above are simulated using precise simulation methods within the satellite mission. That is, the process of optimal orbital design is performed with the aid of evolutionary optimization methods. This process is aimed at minimizing number of mission days that misses the assurance of satellite power supply in addition to minimizing thermal load exerted to satellite and also its standard deviation. At last, a pair of optimal solutions for two different configurations is compared.

Keywords

• orbital design
• optimization
• earth observation satellite
• electrical power subsystem
• simulation