Abstract:

In the operation of missile defense, computing ground coverage region of infrared early warning satellites is a key precondition. Considering the characteristics of orbit altitudes and on board sensors, using projection and mapping of point sets, firstly conicslew scanning and push broom scanning coverage region models for geosynchronous (GEO) satellites are derived. Secondly, in view of the low earth orbit(LEO)satellite’s orbit property, its scanning coverage region model is obtained using coordinate transformation. A novel surveillance operation mode of GEO staring sensor towards interesting region is described. In order to determine whether there is intersection between projection of the focal plane and the earth, limb coverage criterion is also given. Simulation scenarios corresponding to coverage models above show those models are feasible and can support detecting and tracking ballistic missiles for infrared early warning satellites.