Satellite Constellation Design Studies for Missile Early Warning

Abstract

Missile early warning system enables the defence services to detect the missile launches. IR imaging sensors on satellite platform can detect vehicle plumes from the launcher, and it can send the data to the ground station. Orbit design and constellation study analysis of missile early warning system is carried out to get the global coverage. The constellation consists of three or four GEO stationary satellites, four highly elliptical orbit (HEO) satellite orbits in two planes to cover higher latitudes on earth and low earth orbit satellites to cover the specific area of interest to track the launcher in middle stage. Number of satellites in the constellation estimated and optimized to cover area of interest. GEO satellite, HEO satellite coverage analysis and LEO satellite orbit parameters analysed. The complete scenario of missile defence scheme is presented.