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

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.