3 ms·
This based on ksp knowledge, so take it with a grain of salt. Typically when you launch a constellation of satellites you want them to all have the same SMA so
by yaur 12y ago
This based on ksp knowledge, so take it with a grain of salt. Typically when you launch a constellation of satellites you want them to all have the same SMA so that they have the same period. Since this one is significantly off it's going to drift relative to the rest of the constellation and isn't likely to provide a useful signal.
- gambiting 12y agoYeah I am just wondering if there is any way this can be compensated for in software, either in the receivers or in the satellite itself.
- lutusp 12y agoThe problem is more severe than it may seem. Satellites in the wrong orbit tend to fall to earth sooner (higher partial pressure at lower altitudes). Also, because of the satellites' purpose, they have to reach their design altitude to be of any use at all, for two reasons: 1. Their orbital velocity must agree with the design criteria, so the Special Relativity adjustment in their clock rates will correspond to reality. 2. Their altitude must agree with the General Relativity adjustment made to their clocks, same reason. If they end up at the wrong altitude, both their velocity and altitude are wrong, and all this deep thinking unravels (and it's not likely that this error can be adjusted for after a launch), as well as the fact that orbital erosion becomes a limiting factor in their lives.