Simulation and Analysis of Sun Illumination on a Satellite

A mathematical and emulational model of the solar illumination obtained from a satellite is proposed. First, the sunlight received on the surface of the satellite is analyzed. Second, three models are essential for simulation: the satellite model, the orbit model, and the solar energy model. The satellite model is a kind of simplified satellites, which is constructed to provide the corresponding geometry. To be precise, the orbit model is a sun-synchronous orbit. The solar energy model is suitable for most satellite models and orbit models. Third, the time of illumination and the value of the solar vector in the satellite coordinate system are substituted into the solar energy model. Last, data maps of the satellite’s solar energy are generated. After a large number of experiments, the effect of the theory has met the application requirements.