Applying a Situational Analysis Solver to Problems Involving Umbra/Sunlit Model

Abstract

The search for optimal time intervals for satellite operations performance is based on verifying specific conditions of geometric or physical nature. Several conditions are combined in a situational problem. To be able to solve different situational problems, it is necessary to develop program codes for verifying different situational conditions in advance. Two situational conditions for determining if the satellite is in the sunlit zone or the umbra based on the conical models of the Earth's shadow are presented. Problems with one or more conditions are solved by a developed parallel solver for situational analysis. Conditions checking the position of a satellite relative to the Earth's shadow can be combined with other situational conditions.