Crisp, NH;
Roberts, PCE;
Livadiotti, S;
Oiko, VTA;
Edmondson, S;
Haigh, SJ;
Huyton, C;
... Schwalber, A; + view all
(2020)
The benefits of very low earth orbit for earth observation missions.
Progress in Aerospace Sciences
, 117
, Article 100619. 10.1016/j.paerosci.2020.100619.
Preview |
Text
2020-2 Crisp VLEO benefits Acta Astro accepted.pdf - Accepted Version Download (4MB) | Preview |
Abstract
Very low Earth orbits (VLEO), typically classified as orbits below approximately 450 km in altitude, have the potential to provide significant benefits to spacecraft over those that operate in higher altitude orbits. This paper provides a comprehensive review and analysis of these benefits to spacecraft operations in VLEO, with parametric investigation of those which apply specifically to Earth observation missions. The most significant benefit for optical imaging systems is that a reduction in orbital altitude improves spatial resolution for a similar payload specification. Alternatively mass and volume savings can be made whilst maintaining a given performance. Similarly, for radar and lidar systems, the signal-to-noise ratio can be improved. Additional benefits include improved geospatial position accuracy, improvements in communications link-budgets, and greater launch vehicle insertion capability. The collision risk with orbital debris and radiation environment can be shown to be improved in lower altitude orbits, whilst compliance with IADC guidelines for spacecraft post-mission lifetime and deorbit is also assisted. Finally, VLEO offers opportunities to exploit novel atmosphere-breathing electric propulsion systems and aerodynamic attitude and orbit control methods. However, key challenges associated with our understanding of the lower thermosphere, aerodynamic drag, the requirement to provide a meaningful orbital lifetime whilst minimising spacecraft mass and complexity, and atomic oxygen erosion still require further research. Given the scope for significant commercial, societal, and environmental impact which can be realised with higher performing Earth observation platforms, renewed research efforts to address the challenges associated with VLEO operations are required.
| Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Title: | The benefits of very low earth orbit for earth observation missions |
| Open access status: | An open access version is available from UCL Discovery |
| DOI: | 10.1016/j.paerosci.2020.100619 |
| Publisher version: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2020.100619 |
| Language: | English |
| Additional information: | This version is the author accepted manuscript. For information on re-use, please refer to the publisher’s terms and conditions. |
| Keywords: | Remote sensing, Optical imaging, Synthetic aperture radar, Orbital aerodynamics, Debris collision risk, ATTITUDE STABILIZATION, RADIATION ENVIRONMENT, DIFFERENTIAL-DRAG, SATELLITES, ATMOSPHERE, SPACECRAFT, CAPABILITIES, EVOLUTION, MANEUVERS, SHUTTLE |
| UCL classification: | UCL UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences UCL > Provost and Vice Provost Offices > UCL BEAMS > Faculty of Maths and Physical Sciences > Dept of Space and Climate Physics |
| URI: | https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10120734 |
Archive Staff Only
 |
View Item |
