This paper introduces a methodology to design a set of satellite constellations, called the Flower Constellations , which is generally characterized by repeatable ground tracks and a suitable phasing mechanism. A Flower Constellation , which can be complete or restricted , is identified by a number of parameters. Three are integer parameters: the number of petals ( N _p), the number of sidereal days to repeat the ground track ( N _d), and the number of satellites ( N _s) . The others include the phasing parameters and three orbit parameters equal for all satellites: the argument of perigee ( ω ), the orbit inclination ( i ), and the perigee altitude ( h _p) . Flower Constellations present beautiful and interesting dynamical features that allow us to explore a wide range of potential applications that include: telecommunications, Earth and deep space observation, global positioning systems, distributed space systems, and new kind of formation flying schemes. A Flower Constellation can be reoriented arbitrarily; however, the repeating ground track property is lost. To demonstrate their potential, some specific Flower Constellations are briefly described and discussed.

中文翻译：

---

花星座

本文介绍了一种设计一套称为“ 花星座”的卫星星座的方法，该 星座 通常具有可重复的地面轨迹和合适的定相机制。甲 花星座 ，其可以是 完整的 或 受限制的 ，由多个参数确定。三个是整数参数： 花瓣 数 （ N _p），重复地面轨道的恒星天数（ N _d）和卫星数（ N _s） 。 其他参数包括所有卫星的相位参数和三个相等的轨道参数：近地点的参数（ ω ），轨道倾角（ i ）和近地点的高度（ h _p） 。花星座具有 美丽而有趣的动力特性，使我们能够探索广泛的潜在应用，包括：电信，地球和深空观测，全球定位系统，分布式空间系统以及新型编队飞行方案。甲 花星座 可以任意地重新定向; 但是，重复的地面跟踪属性会丢失。为了展示其潜力，一些特定的 花卉星座 简要描述和讨论。