Constellation configuration and coverage analyses for recursive orbit and common track of Starlink phase Ⅲ

Based on the synchronous orbit precession characteristics, the constellation evolution of Starlink phase Ⅰ and phase Ⅱ was analyzed, the problems of multiple Walker-δ sub-constellation configuration were revealed, the mechanism of the recursive orbit and common track constellation configuration of Starlink phase Ⅲ was studied, and the coverage characteristics was simulated and analyzed. Results show that: the recursive orbit and common track satellite chains with different inclination can achieve synchronous precession with small differences in orbital altitude, and have continuous and compact ground coverage bands, which has the obvious advantages of more stable configuration and better coverage performance compared to the multiple Walker-δ sub-constellation configuration, especially suitable for giant LEO internet satellite systems. This study can provide a reference for accelerating the construction of similar satellite systems in China.