Long-Term Earth Magnetosphere Science Orbit via Earth-Moon Resonance Orbit

TL;DR

This paper explores long-term Earth magnetosphere orbits synchronized with lunar gravity effects, identifying resonance conditions that enable stable, confined spacecraft trajectories for extended scientific missions.

Contribution

It introduces a method to identify and optimize Earth-Moon resonance orbits using the Jacobi integral, enhancing long-term stability and station-keeping capabilities.

Findings

Resonance orbits are repetitive in the Earth-Moon rotating frame.

The argument of periapsis shifts due to lunar flybys, influenced by the Jacobi integral.

Optimal resonance conditions enable stable, confined spacecraft orbits.

Abstract

This article investigates long-term orbits within the Earth's magnetosphere, specifically focusing on orbits where the argument of periapsis is synchronized with changes induced by lunar gravity assists and the Earth's argument of latitude over a complete orbital period in Earth-Moon resonance. In the Earth-Moon rotating frame, resonance orbits appear repetitive; however, the argument of periapsis shifts due to the third-body effects from lunar flybys. The extent of this shift is influenced by the Jacobi integral associated with the resonance orbit. To identify feasible resonance orbits and the optimal Jacobi integral, we map the argument of periapsis change against the Jacobi integral for each prospective orbit. This synchronization allows the spacecraft to remain within a confined region in space when observed from the Sun-Earth rotating frame. Finally, the article discusses the applications of these long-term Earth magnetosphere science orbits, including orbit-orientation reconfiguration (station keeping) and stability.