Delta velocities and propulsion requirements for east‐west and north‐south station keeping for spacecraft in GSO

Abstract

The satellite in geostationary orbit is subjected to various forces which tend to move it from its assigned GSO orbital position. This movement is primarily in the east‐west direction and north‐south direction. The latter causes an increase in inclination from the desired orbit in the equatorial plane where inclination equals zero. Station keeping is therefore required and is implemented by on‐board thrusters. This note illustrates how compenstation is achieved and what velocity changes are required and the fuel consumption necessary.