Increasing a Satellite Orbit Altitude by Solar Pressure.
Abstract:
The opportunity of increase of a satellite orbit altitude by solar pressure is demonstrated. The satellite is equipped by mirrors and a damper. Its flight is free drift in the gravity gradient mode - the satellite longitudinal axis is permanently directed along local vertical. The motion about that axis is steady-state oscillations caused by solar pressures and damping. Mirrors positions and the initial satellite heliosynchronous orbit are so, that transverse component of solar pressure force is positive, and orbit semimajor axis is permanently increased. The orbit eccentricity does not exceed its initial value.
