2013/06/22 by Joseph W. Gangestad, Gregory A. Henning, Gangestad, Joseph W. +5 · 1 citation
Engineering · Physics and Astronomy · #Astro and Planetary Science #Earth and Planetary Astrophysics (astro-ph.EP) #FOS: Physical sciences #Planetary Science and Exploration #Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
paper · pdf · doi:10.48550/arxiv.1306.5333
openalex publication_date 2013/06/22 · openalex created_date 2025/10/10 · openalex updated_date 2026/07/28
Many science missions require an unobstructed view of space and a stable thermal environment but lack the technical or programmatic resources to reach orbits that satisfy these needs. This paper presents a high Earth orbit in 2:1 resonance with the Moon that provides these conditions, reached via lunar gravity assist. Analytical guidance and numerical investigation yielded deep insight into this unconventional orbit's behavior, making it possible to select a robust mission design. Solutions are available for a broad range of missions, from smaller Explorer-class missions such as the Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite to larger missions that seek lower-Delta V alternatives to traditional Lagrange-point, drift-away, and geosynchronous orbits.