Re: [amsat-bb] Preferred Phase 3 Orbits

["laura halliday" <marsgal42@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

John P. Toscano <tosca005@tc.umn.edu> wrote:

>Why is a highly inclined orbit desirable for a Phase 3
>satellite?

Because the argument of perigee is constant for a 63.5
degree orbit.

>Wouldn't a high, elliptical, 16-hour orbit at near zero
>inclination be quite satisfactory...

There has been discussion of follow-on projects in such
orbits. Ariane 5 launches are desirable for this, since
the orbit they provide has a high enough perigee that
such a satellite will be up there for a long time to come.

References: Davidoff, SMAD, Bate, Mueller & White,
AMSAT Proceedings, etc.

Laura Halliday VE7LDH     "Que les nuages soient notre
Grid: CN89mg               pied a terre..."
                                   - Hospital/Shafte

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