Repeat-ground-track orbit design and analysis for remote sensing in specific areas

Abstract The design of a Repeat-Ground-Track Orbit based on a specific observation region is the basis for the orbital deployment of remote sensing satellites, and most of the remote sensing satellites operate at a low altitude, so the consideration of multiple regressions during the design process is a prerequisite to meet the regression accuracy. In this paper, a method of Repeat-Ground-Track Orbit design considering multiple regressions is proposed, which utilizes Gaussian perturbation equations and regressions characteristics to derive analytical formulas, and takes into account the higher-order non-spherical earth perturbation and atmospheric damping perturbation, which are common to near-Earth low-orbit satellites. By means of numerical simulation examples, the task of designing the Repeat-Ground-Track Orbit for a single remote sensing satellite with full coverage of a specific region is accomplished, and the effects of the regression period and the load width on the coverage rate are analyzed.