SATELLITE PATTERNS FOR CONTINUOUS MULTIPLE WHOLE-EARTH COVERAGE

Reference is made to two previous papers by the author. A paper (1973) on "Continuous whole-earth coverage by circular-orbit satellites" reported some results of a study of coverage by multiple-satellite patterns using inclined equal-period circular orbits, and recommended the use of a particular family of patterns described previously as "delta patterns" . Since then it has been reported that a pattern of that type is to be adopted for the NAVSTAR Global Positioning System, using a total of 24 satellites in the pattern, in circular orbits of 12-hour period and 63 degree inclination. The present paper summarizes some of the main results, and presents examples of 24-satellite patterns for comparison with the NAVSTAR proposals.

• Supplemental Notes:
  • International Conference on Maritime and Aeronautical Satellite Communication and Navigation, London, March 7-9, 1978.
• Corporate Authors:

  Institution of Electrical Engineers

  Savoy Place
  London WC2R 0BL, NY  England  10016-5997
• Authors:
  • WALKER, J G
• Conference:
  • International Conference on Maritime and Aeronautical Satellite Communication and Navigation, London, March 7-9, 1978.
• Publication Date: 1978

Media Info

• Features: References;
• Pagination: p. 119-122

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Communication; Communication systems; Communications satellites; Global Positioning System; Navigational satellites; Satellite communication; Satellite navigation systems; Ships
• Old TRIS Terms: Shipboard communications
• Subject Areas: Marine Transportation; Operations and Traffic Management; Vehicles and Equipment;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00193638
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Engineering Index
• Report/Paper Numbers: IEE 160 Conf Paper
• Files: TRIS
• Created Date: Apr 25 1979 12:00AM