Overview of Classical Orbits

Abstract

The operation orbit of a spacecraft directly determines the observational geometry and operating environment of a space mission, and largely determines the payload performance of a spacecraft. Ever since the successful launch of the first artificial satellite in 1957, humankind has spared no effort in exploring the relationship between space missions and spacecraft orbits. Concepts such as recursive orbit, sun-synchronous orbit, frozen orbit, stay orbit, and others, have been successively brought forward and applied in communication, navigation, reconnaissance, meteorological exploration and other space missions. These orbits, with their unique advantages and application having been tested in various space missions and widely acknowledged around the globe, are generally known as classical orbits.