Methodology, methods, and results of the first estimates of the probability of close approach between constellation satellites

1Degtyarev, AV, 1Sheptun, AD
1Yangel Yuzhnoye State Design Office, Dnipropetrovsk, Ukraine
Space Sci. & Technol. 2019, 25 ;(6):15-32
https://doi.org/10.15407/knit2019.06.015
Publication Language: Russian
Abstract: 
Analytical and numerical methods are proposed for estimating the probability of first close approaches of the satellites in a constellation during a long flight. Both methods are based on the integration of equations of motion of centers of mass of two satellites. The satellite separation conditions are determined under which the planes of their orbits coincide in a certain interval of the number of orbits. This interval is defined for each pair of satellites. Accordingly, for such pairs of satellites, the probability of a close approach will be maximal.
     The probability of a close approach of two pairs of satellites to a distance of up to 100 m has been determined for a group of 12 satellites.Data have been obtained on a preliminary estimate of the probability of satellites’ approach in a constellation if their number increases, for example, to about 100 units.
Keywords: satellite approach probability, satellite constellation, sun-synchronous orbits
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