Phased formations of satellites provide an important means of keeping multiple satellites in close proximity without becoming dangerously close to one another. In order to minimize the amount of propellant necessary to keep a set of satellites in a phased formation, this paper presents a new condition for in-plane linearized secular \(J_2\)-invariance in highly eccentric orbits. A maintenance strategy outlined here combats the growth of out-of-plane motion, and the delta-v cost of this strategy is analyzed. For context, this paper also discusses relevant formations that benefit from this condition and maintenance strategy. A highly elliptical perching formation called the “boomerang perch” is also discussed.

卫星的阶段性编排提供了一种使多颗卫星保持紧密靠近而又不会危险地彼此靠近的重要手段。为了最大程度地减少将一组卫星保持在相变状态所必需的推进剂数量，本文提出了一个高偏心轨道平面内线性化世俗\（ J_2 \）不变性的新条件。此处概述的维护策略可防止平面外运动的增长，并分析该策略的delta-v成本。作为背景，本文还讨论了受益于这种条件和维护策略的相关编队。还讨论了一种高度椭圆形的栖息地，称为“回旋镖栖息地”。