A Summary of Satellite Orbit Related Calculations

Abstract

The configuration of satellite network systems is based on the quantities and properties related to the satellite orbit. It is extremely important to carefully define parameters and equations describing the orbit  path correctly to make the whole configuration correct. Three different coordinate systems are in use to define satellite orbit: the Latitude-Longitude-Altitude coordinate system, the Right Ascension-Declination coordinate system and the Azimuth-Elevation coordinate system. These coordinate systems are equivalent with respect to the position of the satellite of interest and can easily be converted one to another. One of these coordinate systems would be used depending on the nature of the problem to be solved. Based upon these coordinate systems, the position of a satellite, the visibility of a satellite and antenna direction from a ground station, and a footprint radius of a satellite, etc. can be calculated.<P>