Understanding the Satellite Parking Lot Concept and Its Management Procedure
A satellite parking lot refers to designated orbital positions where satellites can be temporarily or permanently stationed after their operational missions are complete. This process ensures efficient use of orbital slots and helps prevent space debris. In this page, we will explore the procedures involved in satellite parking lots, including how satellites are placed in these positions, monitored, and eventually decommissioned, ensuring a sustainable approach to satellite operations and space management.
The parking or placing of satellite in the orbit around earth is known as satellite parking. The satellite is parked based in the specific orbit as per satellite type such as LEO, MEO or GEO. We will go through GEO satellite parking here.
• GEO (Geostationary Earth Orbit) satellite are placed at the height or altitude of 35800 Km above the Earth.
Before the satellite launching process satellite launch company should obtain parking slot and license to
broadcast satellite frequency.
• Satellite parking positions or slots are assigned internationally by ITU ( International Telecommunications Union).
This is assigned to the countries and companies need to obtain from respective government organization of
the countries.
• Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for radio frequency regulations for satellite frequency to
be used in the region. There are different bands of satellite such as C band, Ku band, Ka band etc.
What is satellite parking procedure
• Following are the steps followed for satellite parking in the space around the earth after permission is obtained from International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and Federal Communications Commission (FCC) as mentioned above.
• Once satellite is manufactured it is placed in the satellite launch pad at specific satellite launching stations such as
Sriharikota space center INDIA, Guiana Space Centre in France, Kennedy Space Center USA etc.
• In the first stage, satellite is placed at the altitude of 49 miles above the Earth using rocket.
• In the second stage, satellite is placed at altitude of approx. 102 miles.
• In the third and final stage, satellite is placed in the final geosynchronous orbit slot by firing
AKM (Apogee Kick Motor) from ground station. Once this stage is completed rocket and its remaining parts
are allowed to come back to the Earth.
➨Also refer Satellite Launching Procedure >>.
Conclusion
In summary, understanding the satellite parking lot concept and its management procedures is essential for maintaining a sustainable space environment. As the demand for satellite services continues to grow, implementing efficient satellite parking procedures will be critical for the future of satellite operations and space exploration, ultimately ensuring that space remains accessible and safe for all.