An example of the analysis of satellite bunching characteristics

Gaylord M. Northrop

ResearchPublished 1967

A presentation of an ad hoc analytic technique for determining "good" relative spacing schemes for families of satellites in unperturbed, unphased, coplanar, circular orbits. The technique is based on a simple model of the satellite family and the use of computer data processing. It provides considerable insight into the advantages and disadvantages associated with various choices of relative spacings between satellites in a circular orbit, coplanar family. To illustrate the technique, an example satisfying requirements comparable to those of the Initial Defense Communication Satellite Program is presented in considerable detail.

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Northrop, Gaylord M., An example of the analysis of satellite bunching characteristics. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1967. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5156.html.
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