Question

1. How can Kepler’s law of planetary motion be applied to the case of geo-stationary satellite?
2. What are the orbital parameters required to determine a satellite orbit? Name and explain them.
3. Determine the maximum and minimum range in kilometer from an earth station to a geo-synchronous satellite. To what round trip propagation times do these correspond?
4. Mention the effect of eclipse on the orbital motion of a satellite.
5. Mention the effect of gravitational force due to sun and moon on the orbital motion of a satellite.
6. What do you mean by the sun-transit outage?

Answer 1

******The Kepler Law can be applied as the satellite orbits the earth and Kepler Laws are universally applied to everything and so if satellite mass is not neglected , Kepler Laws Remain Valid.

***** Orbital Parameters are

a) Eccentricity : denotes shape of the ellipse by comparing the ellipse with respect to a circle

b) Semi-major Axis : For Circular orbits its the distance between center of two bodies

c) Inclination : It is the Vertical angl made by ellipse with the plane of reference .

d) Right ascension of ascending Node : Angle between the line of Aries and Ascending node towards the east direction of the equitorial plane .

e) Mean Anamoly : Gives the average value of angular position of satellite with reference to perigree

f) Argument of Perigree : Angle between the Ascending Node and Perigree

***********Answer in figure below

************* The eclipse can cause blockage of the solar panels of the satellite that power their operation and so satellite can deviate from orignal intended orbit of motion

************** The Sun and Moon Gravitational Force produces small deviations and to maintain desired orbit above earth , satellite needs to apply internal tilts and Force to maintain its orbit . It does so by using its thrust engines.

***********Sun Transit Outage is the Signal Distortion or Interruption of the Geostationary satellite due to the radiations coming out from sun. The noise from the sun blanks out the satellite signal and usually it occurs at the time of Equinoxes.