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Analysis of institutional authors

Porras-Hermoso, AngelCorresponding AuthorGonzalez-Monge, JavierAuthorMarín-Coca, SergioAuthorRoibas-Millan, ElenaAuthor

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July 2, 2024
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Optimal Sun-tracking law for remote sensing satellites operating under observation constraints

Publicated to: Acta Astronautica. 222 95-108 - 2024-09-01 222(), DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2024.05.043

Authors:

Porras-Hermoso, Angel; Gonzalez-Monge, Javier; Marin-Coca, Sergio; Roibas-Millan, Elena
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Affiliations

Dept Matemat Aplicada Ingn Aerosp, Madrid, Spain - Author
Univ Politecn Madrid, ETSI Aeronaut & Espacio, Plaza Cardenal Cisneros 3, Madrid 28040, Spain - Author
UPM Inst, Inst Univ Microgravedad Ignacio Riva, IDR, Madrid, Spain - Author
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Abstract

Satellites engaged in observation missions often face severe pointing constraints, which can limit the ability of their solar panels optimize the generation of electrical power during payload operations. Some approaches to maximize power generation involve either using orientable solar panels, or performing orbital maneuvers to point fixed or deployable (non-orientable) solar panels towards the Sun, which can compromise the payload's ability to meet its pointing requirements. In this study, an alternative approach that enables high -consuming remote sensing payloads to operate for extended periods without requiring orientable solar panels is presented. The satellite under consideration is equipped with fixed or deployable (non-orientable) solar panels mounted on up to three different perpendicular faces. The on -board payload is required to remain within a fixed angle from a target direction, which can be either nadir or a specific geographical position. To derive an optimal tracking law, the projected solar array area at each instant is maximized, resulting in optimal electrical power generation. This methodology allows the satellite to maintain its pointing constraints and efficiently operate high -consuming payloads for longer periods. The proposed tracking law is validated using an actual mission scenario, comparing the power generation achieved by the proposed method against other techniques. The approach presented in this paper shows improved performance, enabling satellites equipped with nonorientable solar panels to fulfill their observation requirements while optimizing electrical power generation. This work offers significant benefits for satellite operators, reducing the need for costly orientable solar panels and enhancing the overall efficiency of satellite missions.
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Keywords

Attitude-controlFixed solar panelsGuidance lawOptimizationPointing constraintPower trackingSatellitSatelliteSyste

Quality index

Bibliometric impact. Analysis of the contribution and dissemination channel

The work has been published in the journal Acta Astronautica due to its progression and the good impact it has achieved in recent years, according to the agency WoS (JCR), it has become a reference in its field. In the year of publication of the work, 2024 there are still no calculated indicators, but in 2023, it was in position 10/55, thus managing to position itself as a Q1 (Primer Cuartil), in the category Engineering, Aerospace.

Independientemente del impacto esperado determinado por el canal de difusión, es importante destacar el impacto real observado de la propia aportación.

Según las diferentes agencias de indexación, el número de citas acumuladas por esta publicación hasta la fecha 2025-12-20:

  • Google Scholar: 4
  • Scopus: 1
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Impact and social visibility

From the perspective of influence or social adoption, and based on metrics associated with mentions and interactions provided by agencies specializing in calculating the so-called "Alternative or Social Metrics," we can highlight as of 2025-12-20:

  • The use of this contribution in bookmarks, code forks, additions to favorite lists for recurrent reading, as well as general views, indicates that someone is using the publication as a basis for their current work. This may be a notable indicator of future more formal and academic citations. This claim is supported by the result of the "Capture" indicator, which yields a total of: 4 (PlumX).

With a more dissemination-oriented intent and targeting more general audiences, we can observe other more global scores such as:

    It is essential to present evidence supporting full alignment with institutional principles and guidelines on Open Science and the Conservation and Dissemination of Intellectual Heritage. A clear example of this is:

    • Assignment of a Handle/URN as an identifier within the deposit in the Institutional Repository: https://oa.upm.es/83690/

    As a result of the publication of the work in the institutional repository, statistical usage data has been obtained that reflects its impact. In terms of dissemination, we can state that, as of

    • Views: 143
    • Downloads: 73
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    Leadership analysis of institutional authors

    There is a significant leadership presence as some of the institution’s authors appear as the first or last signer, detailed as follows: First Author (PORRAS HERMOSO, ANGEL LUIS) and Last Author (ROIBAS MILLAN, ELENA).

    the author responsible for correspondence tasks has been PORRAS HERMOSO, ANGEL LUIS.

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    Awards linked to the item

    The authors are grateful to the project 478 Y2020/NMT-6427 OAPES from the program "Sinergicos 2020"from Comunidad de Madrid (Spain) . The work of Javier Gonzalez-Monge has been supported by Programa Propio de I+D+i de la Universidad Politecnica de Madrid, Spain.
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