Optimization Framework for Satellite Constellation Pattern Design Considering Deployment

This paper introduces an optimization framework for satellite constellation pattern design considering deployment strategy. The problem aims to minimize the number of satellites to achieve full coverage of point target(s), considering their deployments. More specifically, the satellite constellation is arranged as a common-ground-track constellation, with identical repeating ground tracks. In a satellite deployment strategy, satellites are initially inserted into a parking orbit and subsequently transferred to their designated target orbits through orbital maneuvers, exploiting right ascension of the ascending node (RAAN) separation induced by the J2 perturbation. The proposed framework aims to optimize the satellite deployment and constellation pattern simultaneously. The framework first defines the maneuverable RAAN range for each parking orbit. Then it optimizes the satellite constellation design by selecting satellites whose RAANs fall within the pre-sorted feasible ranges. A case study demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed framework is conducted and analyzed.