High altitude Sun-synchronous orbits as solutions of the circular restricted Sun-Earth-Moon-satellite 4-body problem

Kazuaki Ikemoto, Jun'ichiro Kawaguchi

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

The altitudes of the well-known Sun-Synchronous Orbits (SSOs) are limited to a few thousand kilometers. This is because the synchronousness is realized by the J2-term of the geopotential. In this study, as solutions of the circular restricted 4-body (Sun, Earth, Moon and satellite) problem, new SSOs at altitudes on the order of magnitude of a million kilometers are reported. Lunar gravity assist plays an important role. Symmetries in the system are utilized to ease the numerical process. Besides the scientific interest, the result could be practical for reducing the variation of the heat input from the earth to satellites.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationASTRODYNAMICS 2017
EditorsJohn H. Seago, Nathan J. Strange, Daniel J. Scheeres, Jeffrey S. Parker
PublisherUnivelt Inc.
Pages1751-1761
Number of pages11
ISBN (Print)9780877036456
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes
EventAAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2017 - Stevenson, United States
Duration: 20 Aug 201724 Aug 2017

Publication series

NameAdvances in the Astronautical Sciences
Volume162
ISSN (Print)0065-3438

Conference

ConferenceAAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, 2017
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityStevenson
Period20/08/1724/08/17

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