An analytical tool for quick preliminary design of remote sensing constellations with electric propulsion

We introduce an integrated software tool, recently developed in collaboration between SITAEL SpA and University of Pisa, aimed at quick evaluation of constellations with electric propulsion. The tool consists of two connected modules, the Constellation Design module and the EP Performance Evaluation module; the former module enables rapid parametric analysis of constellation performance while the latter allows to assess the system-level impacts of the selected EP systems. Five state-of-the-art are selectable by the user. The integrated tool is very useful in the preliminary phases of constellation design and mission analysis, and can be tailored to accommodate a wide range of mission profiles. In order to show the tool operation on a realistic application case, we present a mission concept study, namely of a LEO constellation of a 200 kg-class small satellites for monitoring of the Italian railway network. The tool provides a quick way to assess the relative merits of three different constellation architectures, based on different remote sensing instrument choices.