[amsat-bb] Re: Orbital Question

[Estes Wayne-W10191 <W10191@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Dave Marthouse wrote:

I would like to pose a theoretical question regarding satellite orbits.
What would be the pros and cons of a medium earth orbit (MEO) that would
give maximum visibility of a satellite for one or two hours at its longest
pass over any given area such as a polar orbit.  Would such an orbit be
practical for a mode B or mode J satellite with powerful transponders
sufficient enough to allow minimal antennas (maybe even mobile use) with
uplink power around 25 watts from ground stations?  Would radiation be a
greater concern (the Vanallen belt etc)?  Would such a satellite be
practical?  This is just one of those "what if" questions for the satellite
theorists.  What's say?

Wayne replies:

That would be a nice satellite to have.  Reasonably large footprint and access time, and not extremely difficult for uplink/downlink.  The downlink would need to be on 2m or 10m for mobile use with low-gain antennas.  A 70cm downlink would be difficult to hear with low-gain antennas.

The biggest problem would probably be how to get it there.  It seems like most available launches go into either a low polar orbit or into a low-inclination elliptical Geostationary Transfer Orbit.

Wayne Estes W9AE
Mundelein, IL, USA
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