Transport of a satellite into a final geostationary orbit with maximum payload being obtained by optimizing control of electrical thrust drives after chemical propulsion drives have been used to move it into an intermediate orbit

摘要

Method for launching a satellite into orbit, in which the satellite carries one or more chemical propulsion device and one or more electric propulsion devices and is carried towards its final orbit by a launch vehicle. A chemical propulsion device is fired to move the satellite from its transfer orbit to an intermediate orbit. One or more of the electrical drives are fired to move it to a geostationary orbit. The electrical drives are controlled so that the payload delivered into final orbit is optimized. An Independent claim is made for a device for optimizing the payload or useful working mass of a satellite delivered into space. Accordingly a computer program is used to control firing of propulsion devices and to control the thrust of the electrical drives so that the maximum useful mass can be placed in orbit.