Configuration Matching Design of Multilayer Constellation System

Multilayer constellation system can extend various functionality and services by combining sublayers with different altitudes and inclinations. However, maintaining consistent coverage and interlayer satellite links is challenging due to their different dynamic characteristics. To ensure the periodicity of the interlayer spatial configuration and connection topology, an orbit and configuration parameters matching design method is proposed to match the interlayer dynamic characteristics of the system. First, based on the desired ratios of orbit period and regression rate, the orbit altitude and inclination for each constellation layer can be calculated. Then, by mapping the satellite coverage area to the phase plane, a judgment approach is proposed to unify the coverage performance analysis of multilayer regular constellations, and then the corresponding matching relationship among their configuration parameters is proposed. Subsequently, based on the above matching principle, the selection method and detailed design steps for multilayer constellation orbit elements and configuration parameters are provided. Finally, a simulation case for a three-layer configuration matching constellation is presented. By integrating a discontinuous coverage constellation with a single-fold coverage constellation, more than two-fold continuous coverage of the original area is achieved, balancing coverage performance at different latitudes. Additionally, the repetition cycle of the interlayer link topology is only 48/125 of the orbit period, thus by designing interlayer links within 36.7 min, the subsequent link building strategy can be calculated based on the topology periodicity.