Design of Artificial Sun-Synchronous Orbits with Main Zonal Harmonics and Solar Radiation Pressure Using Continuous Low-Thrust Control Strategies

Artificial sun-synchronous orbits are suitable for remote sensing satellites and useful in giving accurate surface mapping. To design such orbits accurately with arbitrary orbital elements, three control strategies are provided with the consideration of main zonal harmonics up to J(4) and solar radiation pressure (SRP). In this paper, the continuous variable low-thrust control is used as a way to achieve these artificial orbits and given by electric propulsions rather than chemical engines to enlarge lifespan of the spacecraft. The normal continuous low-thrust control is used to illustrate the control strategies. Furthermore, formulas for refinement of normal control thrusts are applied to overcome errors due to approximations. The results of the simulation show that the control strategies explained in this paper can realize sun-synchronous orbits with arbitrary orbital parameters without side effects and the effect of solar radiation pressure is very small relative to main zonal harmonics. A new technique is suggested, ASSOT-3, to minimize fuel consumption within one orbital period more than others. This technique is based on computing the root mean square of the rate of ascending node longitude instead of the average.