How can the optimal number of satellites be determined for a plane of satellites? Specifically, I would like to see how to do this in general, and a specific example worked out, such as the following below:

• Altitude- 780 km.
• Horizon- 5 degrees
• Overlap- Let's say that there should be 200km overlap (Or something in that range) for each satellite track, to ensure a reasonable continuity.

How can the optimal number of satellites be determined for a plane of satellites? Specifically, I would like to see how to do this in general, and a specific example worked out, such as the following:

• Altitude  - 780 km
• Horizon  - 5 degrees
• Overlap  - Let's say that there should be 200km overlap (or something in that range) for each satellite track, to ensure a reasonable continuity.

How can the optimal spacing of satellites be determined for a plane of satellites? Specifically, I would like to see how to do this in general, and a specific example worked out, such as the following below:

• Altitude- 780 km.
• Horizon- 5 degrees
• Overlap- Let's say that there should be 200km overlap (Or something in that range) for each satellite track, to ensure a reasonable continuity.

How can the optimal number of satellites be determined for a plane of satellites? Specifically, I would like to see how to do this in general, and a specific example worked out, such as the following below:

• Altitude- 780 km.
• Horizon- 5 degrees
• Overlap- Let's say that there should be 200km overlap (Or something in that range) for each satellite track, to ensure a reasonable continuity.

The Iridium satellites are positioned at an altitude of about 780 km. Given that orbital altitude, what is the optimal number of satellites per plane to ensure complete coverage.

Numbers to help this out.

• Altitude- 780 km.
• Horizon- 5 degrees
• Overlap- Let's say that there should be 200km overlap (Or something in that range) for each satellite track, to ensure a reasonable continuity.

Even better would be to show how to do this in general, with the answer given for this specific set of numbers.

How can the optimal spacing of satellites be determined for a plane of satellites? Specifically, I would like to see how to do this in general, and a specific example worked out, such as the following below:

• Altitude- 780 km.
• Horizon- 5 degrees
• Overlap- Let's say that there should be 200km overlap (Or something in that range) for each satellite track, to ensure a reasonable continuity.