Design of Common Track Satellite Constellations for Optimal Regional Coverage
A design method for optimal regional coverage satellite systems with common track constellation (CTC) is proposed. CTC is a special class of constellation in which satellites of whole constellation follow the same track on the Earth's surface-hence the name common track. Based on the thorough investigation on the constraint relation of the satellite parameter, a coded notation for CTC is presented, and the equivalence relationship between the CTC and Walker delta constellation is discussed. Then, the design method is presented and some optimal constellation schemes for China are given as examples. Results shows CTC can provide preferable coverage performance to specified region with fewer satellites