The research is devoted to cost estimations of summary characteristic velocity (SCV) required for formation and replenishment of constellations functioning at circular and near-circular orbits. The SCV costs in case of different possible combinations of values of initial and final orbit parameters were investigated. The attendant effects were analyzed which if used allow SCV costs’ significant minimization. The analytical relations were found which determine a number of circuits at the drift orbit which is a compromise between time and SCV costs for coplanar transitions. The results can be used while projecting and exploiting different types of constellations.

constellation, space vehicle, target orbit, maneuvers, parking orbit, summary characteristic velocity, RAAN precession, active space debris removal

Theoretical and applied problems of mechanics