Delta-V Variations in GTO to GEO Transfers Due to Launch Site Latitude

Year 2025, Volume: 3 Issue: 2, 72 - 82, 22.12.2025

İbrahim Öz

https://doi.org/10.70081/duted.1662044

Abstract

The transfer of communication satellites from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) is a critical phase in satellite deployment, requiring precise orbital maneuvers to achieve the desired parameters. This study examines the effect of launch site latitude on the delta-Velocity (Δ𝑉) requirements for such transfers. The analysis indicates that launching from equatorial sites minimizes the inclination correction Δ𝑉, a key component of the transfer maneuver. For example, a launch from a site at 20° latitude necessitates an additional Δ𝑉 of approximately 189 m/s compared to an equatorial launch, leading to an estimated reduction of four years in satellite operational life due to increased propellant consumption. For Turkey, a launch from 42°N results in an estimated operational life reduction of 12.8 years for a satellite. The Δ𝑉 penalty associated with higher-latitude launch sites can be mitigated by employing more powerful launch vehicles capable of compensating for increased fuel demands. However, this approach introduces additional costs and technical challenges, emphasizing the strategic advantages of equatorial launch facilities. The study highlights the substantial Δ𝑉 implications of conducting GEO transfers from higher-latitude launch sites and underscores the importance of optimizing launch strategies to enhance satellite longevity and mission efficiency.

Keywords

Equatorial launch , Launch site latitudes , Powerful launcher , Lunar gravity assist LGA , Satellite lifetime.

Delta-V Variations in GTO to GEO Transfers Due to Launch Site Latitude

Abstract

The transfer of communication satellites from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) to Geostationary Orbit (GEO) represents a critical phase in mission deployment, requiring precise orbital maneuvers to achieve optimal station-keeping parameters. This investigation quantifies the influence of launch site latitude on the delta-V (ΔV) requirements for GTO-to-GEO transfers, with particular emphasis on inclination correction costs. Key findings demonstrate that equatorial launch sites minimize ΔV expenditure by eliminating inclination change demands. In contrast, higher-latitude launches incur significant ΔV penalties—for instance, a 20° latitude launch requires an additional 189 m/s ΔV compared to equatorial launches, resulting in a four-year reduction in operational lifespan due to propellant consumption. The effect is more pronounced at mid-latitudes: launches from 42°N (e.g., Turkey) impose a ΔV penalty sufficient to reduce satellite lifespan by 12.8 years.While high-performance launch vehicles can partially offset these penalties through increased payload capacity, this solution introduces substantial cost and complexity trade-offs. The study concludes that equatorial launch sites offer distinct advantages for GEO missions, providing inherent ΔV savings that enhance both mission longevity and economic efficiency. These results underscore the critical importance of latitude-dependent ΔV considerations in launch site selection and mission architecture planning.

Keywords

Launch site latitudes , Inclination of satellite , Lunar gravity assist LGA , Satellite lifetime , Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) , Geostationary Orbit (GEO).

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