Method for deploying a satellite constellation
US11066190B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 21, 2015 |
| Grant date | Jul 20, 2021 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 4, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/242
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A method of deploying a constellation of satellites includes using a single launch vehicle to deploy a plurality of satellites at an initial altitude on a same initial orbit, controlling said satellites such that an altitude of some of the satellites is modified while their inclination relative to an equatorial plane and a type of trajectory, of the some of the satellites, remains identical so that each satellite reaches a drift altitude selected from a drift set, with orbits of various satellites shifting relative to one another, and controlling the satellites to be moved sequentially in order to reach a same final altitude, said sequential movement being performed in such a manner that the satellites describe final orbits having trajectories with a same angle of inclination relative to the equatorial plane, a same apogee and perigee, and the same final altitude but presenting distinct longitudes for ascending nodes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.