SATELLITE SYSTEM IN ELLIPTICAL ORBITS EMULATING CHARACTERISTICS OF SATELLITE SYSTEM IN GEOSTATIONARY ORBIT

FIELD: satellite systems, mainly communication satellites. SUBSTANCE: proposed system makes it possible to emulate effect of immobility of satellites relative to Earth surface. Communication satellites are placed in elliptical orbits (about 12-hour orbits) having similar inclination, eccentricities, perigee arguments, Greenwich longitudes of the ascending node and intervals between passes of satellites of this Greenwich longitude. Each orbit is characterized by availability of two points of intersection of its route at apogee section (8-shaped loop). Ground communication stations are designed for operation through satellite within ascending and descending sections of its orbit from second (nearest to apogee) point of intersection to apogee. Emulated pseudo-stationary orbit (many virtual positions of satellites in area of apogee) lie at altitudes of 32000-40000 km in latitude belt of 59-64 deg. NL (or SL). Smooth drift of satellites takes place within ±5°. Orbital grouping has four satellites emulating two stationary positions shifted by 180 deg. in latitude. EFFECT: enhanced stability of virtual positions of satellites; reduction of time required for re-adjustment of ground antennae. 27 dwg, 3 tbl