Physics
Scientific paper
Feb 1992
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1992sfm..meet.....c&link_type=abstract
AAS/AIAA, Spaceflight Mechanics Meeting, Colorado Springs, CO, Feb. 24-26, 1992. 18 p. Research supported by NASA.
Physics
Circular Orbits, Flight Altitude, Lunar Orbits, Orbital Servicing, Spacecraft Maintenance, Low Altitude, Mission Planning, Space Exploration
Scientific paper
The behavior of low altitude near-circular lunar orbits is a key design issue for some missions in the proposed Space Exploration Initiative. The lunar gravity field strongly perturbs low altitude orbits, so an effective orbit maintenance strategy is needed. This strategy must contend with the long term orbit evolution due to the zonal gravity field. Two possible orbit control scenarios are passive control using a frozen orbit and active orbit control using maneuvers. A maneuver strategy can be designed which optimizes the propellant required for long term orbit sustenance. The long term requirements dominate the total propellant required for orbit control. Additional propellant may be required to offset the impact of medium period gravity field effects. Careful selection of maneuver times and directions, however, can eliminate any medium period penalty.
Cook Richard A.
Sweetser Theodore H.
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