How to keep a satellite looking at the dark side of Kerbin?

[nonya0992]

So I want a satellite to always see the dark side of Kerbin for power transfer when the sun is not up.

Edited December 10, 2013 by nonya0992

[Specialist290]

Don't think it can be done with just one satellite, unfortunately. You could probably set up a small network of satellites so that at least one's always providing coverage to the dark side, though.

[Ascension Islander]

So I want a satellite to always see the dark side of Kerbin for power transfer when the sun is not up.

Basically what you're looking for is a circular orbit with a period of one Kerbin year, which would give you an altitude waaaaaay outside of Kerbin's SOI.

What you can do, however, is put two satellites in a leading-trailing configuration in Kerbin's orbit around Kerbol. If you need an explanation, I'd be happy to give one.

[TechnicalK3rbal]

Not that I asked the question, but......

What's a leading trail configuration?

[Ascension Islander]

Not that I asked the question, but......

What's a leading trail configuration?

Basically, two satellites will orbit the planet in question's parent body, except one will be ahead of it and one behind it. They will both be far enough away to remain outside of the planet's SOI, but will still be able to provide coverage to just about all of the dark side of the planet

EDIT: In order for them to remain stable, they must have an orbital period that is the same as that of the planet's

[obi_juan]

Because the game don't have yet the Lagrange points (you want to put a satellite in the point L2) the only possibility is use more than one satellite.

1) Put three satellites 120º apart (equatorial at the same altitude, I think that launching one satellite every 2h you will have the the constellation set) in that case always one will be in the dark side of Kerbin, in a few moments 2

[nonya0992]

Thank a lot guys. I might try the two satellites, one leading and one trailing. We will see how that works out.

[kzauner]

Maybe two Sats in an polar Orbit (90° +/- x) are easier.

You can calculate the X by orbital period of Kerbin/sun and the orbital period of your sats. As Kerbin has 106 days, and if we asume 1 day for the sat it gives you 360 / 106 the inclinations should be 93.4° or 86.6°, depending if you are going south or north at launch. Launch at the terminator for the best results.

I bet that I have overlooked something mathwise, so recheck.