Apogee and Perigee in Satellite Communication

Satellites play a crucial role in modern communication, navigation, and scientific research. They are placed in various types of orbits around the Earth depending on their mission requirements. Among these, elliptical and circular orbits are the most fundamental and widely used. Understanding the differences between elliptical and circular orbits is essential for selecting the appropriate orbit type.

Satellite Orbits: Elliptical vs. Circular

Elliptical orbits are characterized by their oval shape, where the distance between the satellite and the Earth varies throughout its path. These orbits have two distinct points: apogee and perigee. The speed of the satellite in an elliptical orbit changes constantly.

In contrast, circular orbits maintain a constant distance from the Earth, resulting in a perfectly round path. Satellites in circular orbits travel at a uniform speed and altitude, providing stable and predictable coverage.

Elliptical Orbit Characteristics

• Shape: Elliptical orbits are oval-shaped, with varying distances from the Earth.
• Major and Minor Axes: Defined by a major axis (the longest diameter) and a minor axis (the shortest diameter).
• Foci: The Earth is located at one of the two foci of the ellipse.
• Orbital Speed: Varies; the satellite moves fastest at perigee and slowest at apogee due to gravitational forces.
• Uses: Communication, Surveillance, Scientific Research

Advantages of Elliptical Orbits:

1. Extended Coverage: Longer communication times over certain areas.
2. Fuel Efficiency: Requires less energy to achieve compared to circular orbits at higher altitudes.

Disadvantages of Elliptical Orbits:

1. Variable Altitude and Speed: Complicates tracking and communication.
2. Irregular Coverage: Uneven observation periods, shorter times near perigee.

Circular Orbit Characteristics

• Shape: Circular orbits are perfectly round, with a constant distance from the Earth.
• Radius: The distance from the center of the Earth to the satellite remains the same.
• Uniform Speed: The satellite moves at a constant speed throughout the orbit due to the uniform gravitational pull.
• Uses: Satellites for Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO)

Advantages of Circular Orbits:

1. Consistent Coverage: Provides uniform coverage and consistent observation times.
2. Simpler Tracking: Easier to maintain and predict satellite positions.

Disadvantages of Circular Orbits:

1. Higher Energy Requirements: Achieving and maintaining a circular orbit at higher altitudes can be more energy intensive.
2. Fixed Observation: Less flexible compared to elliptical orbits for varying observational distances.

In addition to circular and elliptical orbits, there are other orbits such as Geostationary Orbit (GEO), Low Earth Orbit (LEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), Polar orbit and Sun-Synchronous Orbit, Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO) and Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO) used for satellite communication.

In satellite communication, particularly for satellites in elliptical orbits, the terms apogee and perigee are used to describe specific points in the orbit, as shown in the figure above.

What is Apogee?

• Definition: The apogee is a point in the satellite’s orbit that is farthest from the Earth.
• Significance: At apogee, the satellite moves slower compared to other points in its orbit because it is at the highest altitude above Earth and the gravitational pull is weaker.
• Impact on communication: May provide longer communication windows with ground stations because the satellite is higher and visible over a larger area.

What is Perigee?

• Definition: The perigee is a point in the satellite’s orbit that is closest to the Earth.
• Significance: At perigee, the satellite moves faster compared to other points in its orbit due to the stronger gravitational pull from Earth at the lower altitude.
• Impact on communication: Provides shorter communication windows with ground stations as the satellite is moving faster and is visible for a shorter duration.

Difference between Apogee and Perigee

The following table compares apogee vs perigee with respect to various comparison parameters.

Conclusion

Understanding these differences between apogee and perigee is essential for planning satellite operations, including communication schedules, signal strength management, and orbital adjustments.