A remote sensing satellite is deployed in a circular sun-synchronous orbit with inclination 96.85°. A. Calculate orbit altitude (disregard gravitational pull by the Moon and Sun). B. The spacecraft ballistic coefficient is 160 kg/m 2 . Determine approximate lifetime of the satellite if it is deployed during the phase of the solar cycle with a typical F10.7 = 90. C. What is the maximum distance, D MAX , from the spacecraft to the horizon? D.
What is the maximum possible swath width, S W ? E. What is the maximum possible time in view? F. What is the ground speed (m/s) of the subsatellite point? G. The ground communications station is located at the satellite ground track. What is the communication time if the local conditions limit spacecraft visibility to elevation angles larger than = 18 degrees?