Formation configuration, orbit design and baseline performance analysis based on DEM and GMTI

Taken into account J₂ perturbation, a novel configuration and orbit design method for distributed SAR satellite formation based on DEM and GMTI space mission is presented. According to different technical requirement, the formation flying consisted of three satellites, owning to stable along-track baseline and cross-track baselines, is designed. Then, the mean orbit elements of all formation satellites are preliminary determined. In order to maintain the stability of space baselines in perturbation environment, the mean semi-major axis of deputy satellites is little modified. Finally, mean orbit elements are transformed into osculating elements and high precision orbit simulation is verified in Satellite Tool Kit. It is indicated that novel formation configuration and formation initial orbit elements from this method can make space baselines maintain in a good condition. This formation configuration can provide with two equal stable along-track baselines and one stabled cross-track baseline and two same periodic cross-track baselines.