Sky walker constellation assessment based on its temporary satellites in orbit

Abstract

The Sky Walker constellation is a special space project dedicated to providing worldwide services; each satellite is equipped with three payloads, including a Data Collecting System (DCS), an AIS (Automatic Identification System)/VDES (VHF Data Exchange System), and an ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast). At present, only 8 satellites have been in orbit. Authors have tried to assess the incomplete Sky Walker constellation as of Mar. 4, 2026. Some simulations have been carried out. The simulations have shown that the distributions of 8 satellites are uneven; the percentage for coverage is about 31% ∼ 32% at the polar areas; the coverage is about 35.6% at the latitudes of -27 deg ∼ -31 deg; the coverage is about 34.8% at the latitudes of +27 deg ∼ +31 deg; the percentage of coverage is about 25% at latitude of + 70 deg, which is the lowest coverage; the percentage of coverage at the equatorial area is about 26.4%, which is the second lowest coverage; the coverage is about 26.8% at latitude of -70 deg, which is the third lowest coverage. In the future, once all 48 satellites are deployed in space, coverage will ideally reach 100%.