In message
(Henry Spencer) wrote:

In article , Markus Redeker wrote:
That said, ISS isn't in a good orbit to use as a stepping stone,

Which orbit would you prefer?

The best orbit for an orbital assembly base is equatorial,

The big win is launch windows once per orbit instead of once or twice a
day, and there are some lesser issues like lower radiation dose too.

If it's a US project and you're not prepared to build a new launch base
(or operate from floating platforms like Sea Launch), then a 28.5deg orbit
like that originally planned for the space station is best.

Would there be any advantage in using a 23.5 degree orbit, arranged to
be on the ecliptic, if your assembly is for interplanetary trips? I
can't work out if being able to not have your assembled craft do a plane
change is actually an advantage, let alone worth the payload and timing
hit for delivering stuff to the assembly station.

Anthony

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