A new constellation configuration scheme for communicating architecture in cislunar space

In this paper, a new constellation configuration scheme based on Non-Kepler orbits is proposed for the communicating architecture in the cislunar space. The constellation consists of four satellites which are respectively placed at the libration points L₃, L₄ and L₅, and the Halo orbit at the point L₂ of Earth-Moon system. The constellation is able to cover a majority of the Earth's and lunar surfaces, and to provide communication for any two points inside the cover region near real-timely (with time delay of 2-3s). The entire coverage rate by the constellation is calculated by the mesh method. Furthermore, the remainder coverage rate is also given when some of the satellites happen to fail. Then the cost of station-keeping, launching and attitude control for the constellation is investigated. Finally, some aspects about communications, such as satellite links, delays, ground stations, and communication equipments, are surveyed preliminarily.