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When even your secret programs have to do marketing. Don’t cancel me bro!
Earlier quoted context omitted.
With a far point so far away from Earth it also means that it requires only tiny amounts of fuel for major orbit changes.
My orbital mechanics is (like most people) weak, is this intended as a generalized physical threat to other satellites?
Why might it be desirable to have an observation craft so far away from the earth? I'm having a hard time imagining the advantage compared to being a bit closer, unless it's a more energy-efficient parking situation while the vehicle isn't in active use.
This thing is definitely out of SAM range, so that's an advantage.
How does it have enough Delta-V to get into that distant of an orbit? Is it able to maneuver to different orbits and inclination? Is it able to return to earth? Or, is it more of a satellite than a “plane”? This is my first time learning about this space plane, so apologies if my questions are naive.
How does it have enough Delta-V to get into that distant of an orbit? Is it able to maneuver to different orbits and inclination? Is it able to return to earth? Or, is it more of a satellite than a “plane”? This is my first time learning about this space plane, so apologies if my questions are naive.
By carefully timing boosting burns at different points in the orbit, you can change the orbit to become highly inclined - go prograde at the periapsis, and your raise the apogee.
From the image, I guess they are in a Molniar orbit [1].
Earlier quoted context omitted.
As well as change orbital characteristics (apogee, perigee, inclination) at reasonably low cost, enabling closer observation of specific portions of Earth, or of objects in space. Burns at closest approach (perigee) have the largest influence on total orbital characteristics. Burns at furthest approach (apogee) can raise the entire orbit if desired. (Or so I understand.)
Burns at perigee have best efficiency to make in-plane changes (raise or lower orbit) due to the Oberth effect. Burns at apogee have best efficiency for out-of-plane maneuvers (change orbital inclination plane) due to lowest velocity of the spacecraft. Highly elliptical orbits can do both at a few hours' notice.