<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>Geostationary orbit (GEO) communication satellites can be extended in lifetime by switching to inclined-orbit operations. In this mode, a small amount of propellant is reserved to maintain the assigned orbit longitude. Inclination is allowed to build up at a rate of approximately 0.8○ per year. Developing these space resources can bring out a number of benefits. Besides communication application, these satellites can be used to construct navigation constellation of the Chinese Area Positioning System (CAPS). In this present paper, the realization way of communication and navigation applications is studied and the benefits and problems are explained.</p></abstract>

Geostationary orbit (GEO) communication satellites can be extended in lifetime by switching to inclined-orbit operations. In this mode, a small amount of propellant is reserved to maintain the assigned orbit longitude. Inclination is allowed to build up at a rate of approximately 0.8○ per year. Developing these space resources can bring out a number of benefits. Besides communication application, these satellites can be used to construct navigation constellation of the Chinese Area Positioning System (CAPS). In this present paper, the realization way of communication and navigation applications is studied and the benefits and problems are explained.

The Benefits of Inclined-Orbit Operations for Geostationary Orbit Communication Satellites

National Astronomical Observatories, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100012, China

Artificial Satellites

Geostationary orbit (GEO) communication satellites can be extended in lifetime by switching to inclined-orbit operations. In this mode, a small amount of...

The Benefits of Inclined-Orbit Operations for Geostationary Orbit Communication Satellites

Published Online: Apr 06, 2011

Page range: 1 - 7

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10018-011-0007-1

Keywords
Chinese Area Positioning System (CAPS), geostationary orbit satellite, inclined-orbit operations, communication application, navigation application

This content is open access.

The Benefits of Inclined-Orbit Operations for Geostationary Orbit Communication Satellites

Published Online: Apr 06, 2011

Page range: 1 - 7

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10018-011-0007-1

KeywordsChinese Area Positioning System (CAPS), geostationary orbit satellite, inclined-orbit operations, communication application, navigation application

This content is open access.

Keywords
Chinese Area Positioning System (CAPS), geostationary orbit satellite, inclined-orbit operations, communication application, navigation application