• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.50 no.6
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• pp.401-412
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• 2022

In this study, we investigated the design methods of satellite constellations to conduct near-real-time surveillance reconnaissance of the Korean Peninsula. Also, we designed satellite constellations utilizing the Walker-Delta method and repeat-ground-track method, and taking into account the target area and the feasible number of satellites. The constrains of the Electro-Optical and Synthetic Aperture Radar equipment were also considered in performance analysis. As a result, the designed constellation has mean revisit time of less than 30 min which enables near-real-time surveillance reconnaissance of the Korean Peninsula. This research provides the strategy to design the satellite constellation for reconnaissance. Furthermore, it contributes to suggesting an operating strategy for micro-satellites constellation and guidelines for establishing space force.

• Journal of Advanced Navigation Technology
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• v.27 no.4
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• pp.337-345
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• 2023

This study analyzes considerations for satellite orbit elements for the national micro-satellite system to effectively perform its mission in accordance with the operational concept, and compares the conventionally used Walker method to improve the performance of the satellite constellation method of the repeating ground track orbit. In satellite orbit element analysis, altitude candidate values of micro-satellite system, use of eccentricity and argument of perigee through frozen orbit, necessity of selection of appropriate orbit inclination, and satellite phasing rules for flying the same repeating ground track orbit are proposed. Based on these analysis results, the superiority of the constellation method of the repeating ground track orbit compared to the Walker method is verified in terms of revisit performance analysis, global coverage characteristics, and orbit consistency.

• Journal of Aerospace System Engineering
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.63-72
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• 2022

As interest in microsatellites increases, research has been actively conducted recently on the performance and use, as well as the orbital design and deployment techniques, for the microsatellite constellations. The purpose of this study was to investigate orbital deployment techniques using thrust and differential atmospheric drag control (DADC) for the Walker-delta constellation. When using thrust, the time and thrust required for orbital deployment vary, depending on the separation speed and direction of the satellite with respect to the launch vehicle. A control strategy to complete the orbital deployment with limited performance of the propulsion system is suggested and it was analyzed. As a result, the relationship between the deployment period and the total thrust consumption was derived. It takes a relatively longer deployment time using differential air drag rather than consuming thrusts. It was verified that the satellites can be deployed only with differential air drag at a general orbit of a microsatellite constellation. The conclusion of this study suggests that the deployment strategy in this paper can be used for the microsatellite constellation.