Determination of Look Angles to Geostationary Communication Satellites
Publication: Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 120, Issue 3
Abstract
Basic geodetic theory is applied to determine the geodetic azimuth and geodetic altitude required to point dish antennas to geostationary communication satellites. The mathematical treatment presented here takes into consideration the ellipticity of the earth. This generalization contrasts with standard formulas published in technical books in satellite communication engineering where a spherical approximation is implemented. Comparisons between the spherical and more rigorous ellipsoidal methods are discussed. Although the differences between the two approaches are not significant, they should be taken into consideration when very precise pointing to geostationary communication satellites or other space objects is dictated. The suggested method is simple to understand and straightforward to implement, and due to its advantages should replace any spherical alternative currently in use.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Surveying Engineering
Volume 120 • Issue 3 • August 1994
Pages: 115 - 127
Copyright
Copyright © 1994 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Dec 3, 1993
Published online: Aug 1, 1994
Published in print: Aug 1994
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