Simulation of local time for an SSO spacecraft’s passing through the descending node

Local time for passing through the descending node is one of the key parameters for a Sun-synchronous orbiting spacecraft. Based on the changing amount of local time, ground operators of the spacecraft will decide when to carry out orbit maneuvering in order to keep the spacecraft in a Sun-synchronous orbit. Based on STK software, authors have put forward an effective way to reproduce a series of local time. According to the series of local time, the changing rate of local time could be easily derived, which will help ground staffs take time to schedule the orbit maneuvering scenario. Finally, an example is made by means of this method, which is proved to be practical and efficient.