A Theory of Multi-Bounce Energy-Beam-Supporting Displaced Geo-Synchronous-Orbit Satellites

Abstract

In an effort to place geo-synchronous-orbit (GSO) satellites outside of conventional Keplerian orbits, the ways of producing a constellation of satellites levitated by multi-bounce energy beams are proposed. The proposed satellite systems, typically consisting of a dual or triplet of satellites, named multi-bounce energy-beam-supported satellite(s) (MEBS), utilize reflection forces generated by a momentum change in beams of matter or photon propulsions by photonic laser thrusters. To intensify the beam density by a million times, a set of nearly perfect reflectors with high aiming accuracy for multiple beam-bouncing is used. Two types of MEBS should be particularly useful: the geo-synchronous low-Earth-orbit type (LEO MEBS) and the nonequatorial geo-stationary-orbit type (GEO MEBS). Orbit construction and orbit transfer at launch and early operation phases (LEOP) and contingency plans (COPs) for orbit failures for the geo-synchronous LEO and GEO MEBS are analyzed. The LEO MEBS require only the same amount of launch energy as the corresponding conventional satellites, and their orbit radii should be larger than 30,720-32,417 km for the successful LEOP and COP. The twin geo-synchronous GEO MEBS has the same altitude as the conventional equatorial GEO satellite and shows mitigated power requirement and reflector size.