Characterization of the Effects of a Sun-Synchronous Orbit Slot Architecture on the Earth's Orbital Debris Environment

<p>Low Earth orbit represents a valuable limited natural resource. Of particular interest are sun-synchronous orbits; it is estimated that approximately 44% of low Earth satellites are sun-synchronous. A previously developed sun-synchronous orbit slot architecture is considered. An in-depth analysis of the relative motion between satellites and their corresponding slots is performed. The long-term evolution of Earth's orbital environment is modeled by a set of coupled ordinary differential equations. A metric for quantifying the benefit, if any, of implementing a sun-synchronous architecture is developed. The results indicate that the proposed slot architecture would reduce the frequency of collisions between satellites in sun-synchronous orbits.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

MS in Aerospace Engineering

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Year dc:date.available

2013

Author dc:creator

• Noyes, Connor David

Contributors dc:contributor

• Kira J. Abercromby

• Sun-synchronous Orbit
• Space Traffic Management
• Astrodynamics
• Space Vehicles

Identifier

10.15368/theses.2013.66

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.calpoly.edu:theses-2121