Analysis of a station-keeping maneuver strategy for three geostationary satellites collocation

A collocation strategy have been planned and analyzed for three geostationary satellites in the same longitude control box. The orbit determination error analysis is performed when only one ground station is used for the angle tracking and ranging. Based on the orbit determination errors, the station-keeping bands are allocated for 7-day East/West station-keeping maneuver cycle. The eccentricity control circle and inclination control box for individual satellite are allocated for the collocation. The eccentricity vector and inclination vector separation method is applied for the collocation, and the maneuver schedule is planned to minimize the operational load by avoiding simultaneous maneuvers. Total of eighty days of station-keeping maneuver simulations are performed for the three collocated satellites. The mutual distances between the satellites are monitored for avoiding collisions. (C) 1998 IFAC.