Rosette Constellations of Earth Satellites

Satellite constellations having rosette (flowerlike) orbital patterns are described which exhibit better worldwide coverage properties than constellations previously reported in U.S. literature. The best rosettes with 5-15 satellites are identified and evaluated relative to prior results. In most cases, the best results are obtained by placing one satellite in each of N separate planes and by using inclined rather than polar orbits. Coverage properties of these constellations are analyzed in terms of the largest possible great circle range between an observer anywhere on the Earth's surface and the nearest subsatellite point. When evaluated in this manner, coverage properties are invariant with deployment altitude. As deployment altitude is reduced, however, higher order constellations must be used to maintain a fixed minimum viewing angle. Coverage properties are also invariant with deployment orientation relative to Earth coordinates, although specific orientations can cause the satellite patterns to appear quasi-stationary. Thus these constellations offer a promising alternative to the use of geostationary satellites. Rosette constellations can also be used to guarantee multiple satellite visibility on a continuous worldwide basis. It is shown that 5, 7, 9, and 11 satellites are the minimum numbers required for single, double, triple, and quadruple visibility, respectively. Examples of rosette constellations which achieve these bounds are given.