HALO: A High-Precision Orbit Propagation Tool for Mission Design in the Cis-Lunar Domain

TL;DR

This paper introduces HALO, an open-source high-precision orbit propagation tool designed for mission planning in the cis-lunar space, addressing the need for more accurate modeling due to increased interest following the Artemis Accords.

Contribution

The paper presents the development and validation of HALO, a novel, open-source orbit propagator tailored for cis-lunar missions, with detailed modeling approaches and accuracy assessments.

Findings

HALO achieves high accuracy for low lunar orbits.

HALO effectively models elliptical frozen orbits.

HALO accurately propagates 3-body problem orbits like Halo and Distant Retrograde Orbits.

Abstract

With the recent implementation of the Artemis Accords, interest in the cis-lunar space is rapidly increasing, necessitating the development of more precise and accurate modeling tools. While general-purpose mission design tools are available, this study proposes an open-source mission design tool, HALO, for High-precision Analyser for Lunar Orbits. This work presents a comprehensive review of the modeling approaches, structural design, and algorithms employed, aiming at facilitating ease of use and adaptation for other research in the cis-lunar domain. Furthermore, accuracy studies of the propagator are provided for various orbits of interest within this domain, including low lunar orbits, elliptical frozen orbits, and 3-body problem orbits, such as Near Rectilinear Halo Orbits and Distant Retrograde Orbits.