A Study on Medium Earth Orbit Utilization

Abstract

The Medium Earth Orbit (MEO) offers a greater width of satellite view than the Low Earth Orbit, and a greater proximity to the Earth's surface than the Geostationary Earth Orbit. Global positioning systems and ionospheric sounding satellites have already operated in this orbit, and the MEO will appeal to satellite missions undertaking Earth observations, communications, positioning, and scientific explorations. The Sun-Synchronous Medium Earth Orbits (SS-MEOs) used in this study enable clear and daily observations of the Earth's surface. However, problems such as severe radiation from the Van Allen radiation belt, and the inefficiency to launch a satellite in a southwest direction, need to be resolved. This paper presents the results of early studies on SS-MEO utilization: orbital characteristics and environments, candidates for Earth observation missions, and the feasibility of the development and launch of a satellite for operation within this orbit.