Abstract: The semi major of GEO targets patrol satellite (simplified as “Ptrl sat”) is slightly different from the GEO. Considering the East West drift motion between Ptrl sat and GEO targets, the Ptrl sat can be used to observe the global GEO targets. Taking the Ptrl sat below GEO targets as an example, the patrol effectiveness of GEO targets by single satellite is analyzed. It is pointed out that patrol by single satellite has the problems of imaging blind area and low imaging probability. GEO targets patrol strategy of multi satellites with serial formation is proposed. This strategy not only solves the above problems, but also helps to realize the multi directional and multi angle imaging of GEO targets, which makes the imaging effect better. The design of the simplest serial formation parameters under some typical application condition is introduced.

Key words: situational awareness, patrol of GEO targets, multi satellite serial formation, imaging efficiency