Space Systems/loral, LLC

Robert S Day, Jr

Andrew E Turner

Darren R Stratemeier

A constellation of Earth-orbiting spacecraft, the constellation having an orbital maneuver lifetime life (OML), includes a first spacecraft disposed in a first orbit and a second spacecraft disposed in a second orbit, each of orbit being substantially circular with a radius of approximately 42,164 km and having a respective inclination with respect to the equator specified within a range of 10&#xb0; to 20&#xb0;. The first orbit has, at beginning of life (BOL), a first right ascension of ascending node (BOL-RAAN1) and the second orbit has, at BOL, a second RAAN (BOL-RAAN2) the BOL-RAAN1 and the BOL-RAAN2 being separated by a first angular separation &#x394;-RAAN1. A first stationkeeping delta-V (&#x394;V1) applied over the OML to the first spacecraft, in combination with a second delta-V (&#x394;V2) applied over the OML to the second spacecraft, maintains the &#x394;-RAAN1 approximately constant and an actual inclination within specification, and &#x394;V1 approximately equals &#x394;V2.

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Torrance, CA, United States of America

Robert S Day, Jr