Study Of Lunar Constellations For Situational Awareness And Surveillance

Abstract

Lunar constellations providing the capabilities of situational awareness and surveillance for future mission operators are analyzed in this study. The use of specialty orbits, such as sun-synchronous and frozen orbits, are analyzed to determine the applicability of these unique orbits. Additionally, altitude and inclination trades are performed to determine the degree to which mission objectives are achieved through ranges of these orbital parameters. Using the analyzed orbits, constellations of varying patterns are developed and surface coverage figures of merit are used to evaluate them. The research concludes with calculation of the yearly cross-track and in-track stationkeeping costs of a representative constellation. This stationkeeping is necessary for preservation of the designed coverage statistics.