Space Domain Flashcards
Discuss the impacts of gravity and angular momentum on the motion of objects in space
Gravity and momentum drive motion in space.
Gravity:
- Objects in space fall
- if an object goes fast enough, we can take advantage of Earth’s curvature to keep it flying
Angular Momentum:
- is constant.
- This keeps orbits fixed in space
- Speed of angular momentum makes ‘turning’ difficult
Discuss Semimajor Axis
-orbit size
“average” altitude
Impact: type of mission and speed of satellite
Discuss Eccentricity
-orbit shape
how close to circular is it
Impact: type of mission and field of view
Discuss Inclination
- orbit tilt
angle from the equator
Impact: where the satellite has access over the earth
Discuss argument of perigee
- perigee location
where is the satellite closest to earth
Impact: where the satellite is optimized for mission
Discuss true anomaly
- satellite location
where the satellite currently is in orbit
Impact: you have to know where the satellite is at some point
Discuss right ascension of the ascending node
- orbital twist
- nerd talk about the vernal equinox
Impact: how we know where is will cross the equator
Space block: Air Domain
Surface to 90km
Space block and mission: Low Earth Orbit (LEO)
90-850 km
Weather, SAR, imagery, some ELINT, space based surveillance
Space block and mission: Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)
20000km
GPS
Space block and mission: Geosynchronous Orbit (GEO)
35000 km
OPIR, comm, ELINT, space based surveillance
Space block and mission: high earth orbit
400km-40000km
OPIR, imagery
Describe limitations of space mission support
Most satellites have *limited dwell time
- motion of objects = constant change in mission support
- “wait for revisit” (GEO exception)
Sensors must be tasked to cover areas of interest
-cannot assume a satellite will cover mission requirements
Limited number of satellites require prioritized tasking
