Technician 2022-2026T8B06
Which of the following are inputs to a satellite tracking program?
B
Answer
Signals, emissions, and modulation
Type
A
The satellite transmitted power
B
The Keplerian elements
C
The last observed time of zero Doppler shift
D
All these choices are correct
Answer Notes
Satellite tracking programs use mathematical models to predict exactly when and where a satellite will appear in the sky. To do this, they require a specific set of numbers known as Keplerian elements.
Keplerian elements define the exact shape, size, and orientation of the satellite's orbit around the Earth. Because orbits slowly change due to atmospheric drag and gravity, these elements must be updated regularly to keep the tracking software accurate.
Transmitted power is irrelevant to calculating a satellite's physical position in space. While the time of zero Doppler shift does happen during a pass (at the point of closest approach), it is an observation resulting from the satellite's motion, not an input used to calculate the orbit itself.
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What is a satellite beacon?
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What is Doppler shift in reference to satellite communications?