The Rand Sync-Sat Calculator

Neill C. Ostrander

ResearchPublished 1967

A special slide rule for solving geometric problems related to synchronous satellites is included in this Memorandum, which supplements the information printed on the slide rule and documents the mathematical background. Among the problems of interest are those of the earth area coverage from synchronous satellites in circular, near equatorial orbits; the earth station antenna direction (elevation and azimuth) for receiving satellite communications; and the accuracy with which a synchronous satellite with multiple beams of fixed relative orientation can track earth points by attitude variations. R-454-NASA showed that angular deviations are not a problem at an inclination of 7 deg 20 min to the equatorial plane. Most communication satellites need not be designed for greater inclinations, and unless beamwidths narrower than a few degrees are considered, angular deviation can be ignored.

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  • Copyright: RAND Corporation
  • Availability: Available
  • Year: 1967
  • Print Format: Paperback
  • Paperback Pages: 45
  • Paperback Price: $23.00
  • Document Number: RM-5228-NASA

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RAND Style Manual
Ostrander, Neill C., The Rand Sync-Sat Calculator, RAND Corporation, RM-5228-NASA, 1967. As of September 7, 2024: https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5228.html
Chicago Manual of Style
Ostrander, Neill C., The Rand Sync-Sat Calculator. Santa Monica, CA: RAND Corporation, 1967. https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_memoranda/RM5228.html. Also available in print form.
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