Design of an Elliptical Orbit Constellation for High-Resolution Optical Observations over a Specific Area

Most military threats originate in a particular area, such as the Korean Peninsula. This study aims to design an elliptical orbit constellation capable of closely monitoring a specific area (the Korean Peninsula). We propose a technique for enhancing ground observation resolution by reducing the operational altitude of the satellite while utilizing a previously constructed optical system for a low Earth orbit (LEO) satellite. First, we create an elliptical orbit for a single LEO satellite capable of achieving high-resolution imagery. The orbit has a perigee of 300 km, an apogee of 8065.62 km, and a critical inclination of 116.56°. Second, a design strategy is implemented for operating these satellites as a constellation. The constellation consists of 40 satellites capable of observing the Korean Peninsula every 36 min. As a result, we provide a satellite constellation with a revisit cycle that can be used as a military reconnaissance satellite on the Korean Peninsula.