Ensuring dynamic stability of the orbital structure of the Arktika-M space system

Abstract

The control of the orbital structure of the satellite constellation (SC) of continuous service with spacecraft in highly elliptical orbits of the Molniya type is considered. For ensuring the SC dynamic stability, it is proposed to use passive, active, and combined approaches to the SC orbital structure control. A statement of the problem to ensur e dynamic stability is given and results of its solution for a particular variant of the orbital construction of the Arktika-M space system are presented for the passive control approach. The proposed orbital structure control is based on minimizing the evolution-induced space-time deformation of the orbital structure by means of differentiated selection of initial parameters of orbits at the stages of the SC deployment and replenishment and by means of control of the spacecraft’s ground track at the SC operation stage. Using this control method is especially important with long active life spans of spacecraft and limitations on propellant margins for orbit correction.