The Benefits of Inclined-Orbit Operations for Geostationary Orbit Communication Satellites

Geostationary orbit (GEO) communication satellites can be extended in lifetime by switching to inclined-orbit operations. In this mode, a small amount of propellant is reserved to maintain the assigned orbit longitude. Inclination is allowed to build up at a rate of approximately 0.8○ per year. Developing these space resources can bring out a number of benefits. Besides communication application, these satellites can be used to construct navigation constellation of the Chinese Area Positioning System (CAPS). In this present paper, the realization way of communication and navigation applications is studied and the benefits and problems are explained.