Orbital season and its long-term effects on the thermal and electrical safe operation of low-Earth satellites in Sun-synchronous orbit

Similar to Earth, the orbital season also exists in a low-Earth orbit, and understanding these seasonal effects is crucial for ensuring the long-term performance and safety of spacecraft. However, methods for determining the orbital season and its long-term impact on the electricity supply systems are lacking. To address this research gap, we present a method for dividing the orbital season in the low-Earth Sun-synchronous orbit throughout the year. Accurate orbital data from four satellites from 2021 to 2023 were incorporated to ensure practical relevance and generalisability. The results indicate that the seasons in the Sun-synchronous orbit can be divided into a cold season, lasting from April to October, and a hot season, lasting from November to March. The thermal environment of satellites and the performance of the electricity supply system during different orbital seasons were studied. Our findings suggest that additional thermal management measures should be implemented during the hot season, which can mitigate system failure risks and enhance operational efficiency. This research not only complements previous studies on orbital seasons but also provides valuable guidance for future spacecraft design and management, emphasizing the importance of integrating thermal considerations into mission planning to ensure safe and effective space operations.