Theoretical Aspects of the Ballistic-Navigation Design of an Advanced Space Navigation System

The capability of an orbital constellation to generate a global radio navigation field (RNF) of perfect quality is theoretically analyzed. The optimum geometrical network formed on the orbital sphere is the basis of this analysis. We invoke a criterial apparatus for estimating the ballistic-navigation characteristics of an orbital constellation and its elements, as well as specific navigation properties of an RNF. The numerical data concerning some structural parameters of orbital constellations are obtained for existing and advanced space navigation systems (SNS).