Other Orbits: Medium Orbit, Elliptical Orbits and Low-Orbit Constellations
Are there orbits other than geostationary orbit and low orbit that could work for space solar power?
Chapter summary
yes, and each trades distance against coverage.
Key takeaways
- 1
Geostationary orbit (about 35,786 km) gives continuous view of one site, but its distance forces kilometre-scale transmitters.
- 2
Low orbit (a few hundred km) allows small transmitters, but each satellite sees a site only for minutes, so many satellites are needed.
- 3
Between them, medium orbits (thousands to ~20,000 km) and highly elliptical orbits offer longer views per satellite at shorter distances than GEO.
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