Scheduling For The European Data Relay Satellite

I. Alexander. (1990), JBIS, 43, pp.69-72

Refcode: 1990.43.69

Abstract:

The European Space Agency’s Data Relay System (DRS) is to consist of two relay satellites (East and West) in geostationary orbit, and associated ground facilities, to provide communications for several user spacecraft in low-Earth orbit. These craft are difficult to track continuously from the ground alone. Their low altitude makes them visible for only a short time from any single station. A geostationary satellite can track such spacecraft for at least half their orbit, and can conveniently relay data to the ground through a static feeder link.