Research on an Optimization Design Method for Constellation Configurations Oriented to Application and Safety Constraints Based on the Geometric Characteristics of Constellation Configurations

Abstract With the rapid expansion of satellite constellation system scales, the design of constellation configurations is increasingly confronted with critical challenges including inter-satellite collision risks and mission area coverage effectiveness. Building upon the existing calculation method for minimum inter-satellite distance (MISD), this study further proposes a geometric analysis-based approach to solve the latitude corresponding to the MISD. By investigating the correlations among the MISD, its corresponding latitude, and constellation coverage requirements, a constraint model for constellation configurations oriented to dual coverage of target areas is established. Through systematic simulation analysis, the variation patterns of the MISD and its corresponding latitude with key constellation configuration parameters are revealed, and the distribution characteristics between the constellation’s dual-coverage target areas and the latitude of MISD are clarified. Based on the aforementioned calculation model and pattern models, the constellation configuration design process is streamlined, and an integrated design method tailored to application requirements and constellation safety is presented. The proposed method enables the automatic generation of a configuration recommendation list that satisfies both dual-coverage and safety constraints, thereby providing a reliable theoretical and technical basis for constellation configuration optimization.