Space based change detection using common ground track constellations
US7270299B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 23, 2005 |
| Grant date | Sep 18, 2007 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 5, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64G1/244
- WIPO fieldTransport
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A new approach for designing satellite constellations whereby each satellite follows a common ground track is being proposed for performing high-precision change detection imagery for long periods of time. By precisely prescribing the orbital parameters, i.e., the relationship between the right ascension of the ascending nodes (RAAN) and the phase angle difference between successive satellites, for example, sharpened change detection images may be taken from successive satellites in the constellation without the need to process out blurring by any special image re-working software. The relationship between the orbital parameters of the satellites is precisely tuned to the earth's rotation rate for the altitude of the satellites. A reduction in the total satellite count is achievable due to tiling the satellite coverage in near optimal arrangements. Such high-precision change detection imaging by successive satellites in orbit around the earth is at least useful in the detection of underground facilities activities and the detection of slow moving objects.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.