Understanding Satellite Parking Lot Concepts and Procedures

A satellite parking lot refers to designated orbital positions where satellites can be temporarily or permanently stationed after their operational missions are complete. This practice ensures the efficient use of orbital slots and helps prevent the accumulation of space debris. This article will explore the procedures involved in satellite parking lots, including how satellites are placed in these positions, monitored, and eventually decommissioned, ensuring a sustainable approach to satellite operations and space management.

The act of parking or placing a satellite in orbit around Earth is known as satellite parking. The satellite is parked in a specific orbit based on its type, such as LEO (Low Earth Orbit), MEO (Medium Earth Orbit), or GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit). Here, we will focus on GEO satellite parking.

• GEO satellites are placed at an altitude of approximately 35,800 km above the Earth.
• Before the satellite launching process, the satellite launch company must obtain a parking slot and a license to broadcast satellite frequencies.
• Satellite parking positions or slots are assigned internationally by the ITU (International Telecommunications Union). These are assigned to countries, and companies need to obtain them from the respective government organizations of those countries.
• The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for radio frequency regulations for satellite frequencies to be used in the region. There are different bands for satellites, such as C band, Ku band, and Ka band.

What is the Satellite Parking Procedure?

The following steps are followed for satellite parking in space around the Earth, after obtaining permission from the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), as mentioned above.

• Once a satellite is manufactured, it is placed on a satellite launch pad at specific satellite launching stations, such as the Sriharikota space center in INDIA, the Guiana Space Centre in France, or the Kennedy Space Center in the USA.
• In the first stage, the satellite is placed at an altitude of approximately 49 miles above the Earth using a rocket.
• In the second stage, the satellite is placed at an altitude of approximately 102 miles.
• In the third and final stage, the satellite is placed in its final geosynchronous orbit slot by firing the AKM (Apogee Kick Motor) from a ground station. Once this stage is completed, the rocket and its remaining parts are allowed to return to Earth.

Conclusion

In summary, understanding the satellite parking lot concept and its management procedures is essential for maintaining a sustainable space environment. As the demand for satellite services continues to grow, implementing efficient satellite parking procedures will be critical for the future of satellite operations and space exploration, ultimately ensuring that space remains accessible and safe for all.