Modelling of Solar Radiation Pressure Effects: Parameter Analysis for the MICROSCOPE Mission

Table 1

Overview of orbit classes including typical orbit parameters and mission examples.

Orbit category	Percentage	Inclination [°]	Altitude [km]	Semimajor axis [km]	Mission name	Operation
LEO	41%
Examples:		88.940–89.060	485–500	6870–6770	GRACE	Gravity field recovery
					CHAMP	Earth observation
GEO	8%
Examples:					Meteosat	Meteorology
					GOES	Meteorology
					Arsat-1	Communication
					Ciel-2	Direct-broadcast
GTO & HEO	12%	7.000; (Kourou)	(perigee); (apogee)			Transfer
SSO	31%
Examples:					MICROSCOPE	Science
			780–800		Envisat	Earth observation
					SwissCube-1	Science
					Belka 2	Earth observation
MEO	7%
Examples:					GALILEO	Navigation
					GLONASS	Navigation
					GPS	Navigation
Molniya			(perigee); (apogee)		Molniya satellites	Communication