Design Guidelines for Post-2000 Constellations

Abstract

Designing a constellation of satellites to synergistically perform an overall mission in the post-2000 timeframe of highly regulated and commercially competitive environment requires a blending of both technical and financial design factors. This paper presents a process by which constellation selection can be accomplished. The process is tied to the project Business Plan, spectrum regulations, and the overall delivery system performance requirements. The dominant constellation design requirements faced by the constellation designer are identified and discussed. These requirements include service area coverage, spectrum sharing attributes, the ability to provide capacity augmentation, satellite failure mitigation, service link maintenance, and altitude considerations. A section specifically dealing with post-2000 guidelines for constellation design is also included and covers deployment options for Low Earth Orbit (LEO) systems, polar and inclined orbit characteristics, and the role of satellite diversity in tomorrow’s constellations.