Observation satellite

Abstract

The objective is to observe celestial objects under optimal conditions using observation satellites. [Solution] The observation satellite observes artificial satellites or space objects such as debris or other spacecraft orbiting the Earth near geostationary orbit. The observation satellite is equipped with observation devices and a propulsion system. By controlling the propulsion system to decelerate the observation satellite, its orbital altitude is lowered. As the orbital altitude decreases, the observation satellite's orbital speed relative to the Earth's rotation speed increases, causing the observation satellite to move eastward relative to the space object. By controlling the propulsion system to increase the observation satellite's speed, its orbital altitude is raised. As the orbital altitude increases, the observation satellite's orbital speed relative to the Earth's rotation speed decreases, causing the observation satellite to move westward relative to the space object. The observation devices are operated at arbitrary timings during eastward and westward movement, and the average orbital period is adjusted.

Claims

1. An artificial satellite orbiting the Earth and flying near geostationary orbit, or an observation satellite that observes space objects, which is information about space objects such as space debris, Equipped with observation equipment and propulsion equipment, By operating the propulsion system in such a way that the observation satellite decelerates, the orbital altitude of the observation satellite is lowered. As the orbital altitude decreases, the orbital velocity of the observation satellite relative to the Earth's rotation speed increases, causing the observation satellite to move eastward relative to the space object. By operating the propulsion system to increase the speed of the observation satellite, the orbital altitude of the observation satellite is increased. As the orbital altitude increases, the orbital velocity of the observation satellite relative to the Earth's rotation speed decreases, causing the observation satellite to move westward relative to the space object. The observation device is operated at any timing during eastward and westward movement. Furthermore, it adjusts the average orbital period. Observation satellite.

2. An artificial satellite orbiting the Earth and flying near geostationary orbit, or an observation satellite that observes space objects, which is information about space objects such as space debris, Equipped with observation equipment and propulsion equipment, By operating the propulsion system in such a way that the observation satellite decelerates, the orbital altitude of the observation satellite is lowered. As the orbital altitude decreases, the orbital velocity of the observation satellite relative to the Earth's rotation speed increases, causing the observation satellite to move eastward relative to the space object. By operating the propulsion system to increase the speed of the observation satellite, the orbital altitude of the observation satellite is increased. As the orbital altitude increases, the orbital velocity of the observation satellite relative to the Earth's rotation speed decreases, causing the observation satellite to move westward relative to the space object. The observation device is operated at any timing during eastward and westward movement. And maintain the average relative position to the monitored object. Observation satellite.

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