A HIGHLY ELLIPTICAL ORBIT FOR COMMUNICATIONS SATELLITES

摘要

An optimized orbit for a communications satellite may include a highly elliptical orbit ("HEO") with optimized inclination. In one embodiment, the HEO orbit may be a lower inclination variation of a tundra orbit having a teardrop shaped ground track and an inclination approximately between 53 degrees and 56 degrees. The communications satellite following the lower inclination HEO orbit may be a part of a satellite constellation. The satellite constellation may include a three-satellite or a six-satellite constellation. In one embodiment, the satellite constellation may be initially implemented as a three-satellite constellation, and three more satellites may be launched later to form a six-satellite constellation.