Abstract: Aiming at the problem of maintaining the orbit of the inclined geosynchronous orbit (IGSO) satellite, a yaw angle adjustment strategy under various working conditions was proposed. The purpose was to reduce the yaw angle adjustment range and shorten the yaw angle adjustment time, and to reduce the impact of the orbit maintenance process on the continuity of satellite services. The law of yaw angle motion and the effect of the right ascension of ascending node on the yaw angle were analyzed. On this basis, the influences of the right ascension of ascending node, the range of the solar altitude angle, the orbit control time, and the position of the intersection on the yaw angle adjustment strategy were analyzed. The method of adjusting the yaw angle and the choice of thruster when the satellite orbit is being maintained were given. For satellites whose intersections are located in China, the range of yaw angle adjustment does not exceed 45°. This method can be applied to the  management of satellite orbit maintenance.

Key words: inclined geosynchronous orbit, orbital maintance, yaw angle control, thruster selection, adjustment strategy