A review of periodic orbits in the circular restricted three-body problem

This review article aims to give a comprehensive review of periodic orbits in the circular restricted three-body problem(CRTBP),which is a standard ideal model for the Earth-Moon system and is closest to the practical mechanical model.It focuses the attention on periodic orbits in the Earth-Moon system.This work is primarily motivated by a series of missions and plans that take advantages of the three-body periodic orbits near the libration points or around two gravitational celestial bodies.Firstly,simple periodic orbits and their classification that is usually considered to be early work before 1970 are summarized,and periodic orbits around Lagrange points,either planar or three-dimensional,are intensively studied during past decades.Subsequently,stability index of a periodic orbit and bifurcation analysis are presented,which demonstrate a guideline to find more periodic orbits inspired by bifurcation signals.Then,the practical techniques for computing a wide range of periodic orbits and associated quasi-periodic orbits,as well as constructing database of periodic orbits by numerical searching techniques are also presented.For those unstable periodic orbits,the station keeping maneuvers are reviewed.Finally,the applications of periodic orbits are presented,including those in practical missions,under consideration,and still in conceptual design stage.This review article has the function of bridging between engineers and researchers,so as to make it more convenient and faster for engineers to understand the complex restricted three-body problem(RTBP).At the same time,it can also provide some technical thinking for general researchers.

Halo Orbits around Sun-Earth L1 in Photogravitational Restricted Three-Body Problem with Oblateness of Smaller Primary

This paper deals with generation of halo orbits in the three-dimensional photogravitational restricted three-body problem, where the more massive primary is considered as the source of radiation and the smaller primary is an oblate spheroid with its equatorial plane coincident with the plane of motion. Both the terms due to oblateness of the smaller primary are considered. Numerical as well as analytical solutions are obtained around the Lagrangian point L1, which lies between the primaries, of the Sun-Earth system. A comparison with the real time flight data of SOHO mission is made. Inclusion of oblateness of the smaller primary can improve the accuracy. Due to the effect of radiation pressure and oblateness, the size and the orbital period of the halo orbit around L1 are found to increase.

Halo Orbits in the Photo-Gravitational Restricted Three-Body Problem

We study of halo orbits in the circular restricted three-body problem (CRTBP) with both the primaries as sources of radiation. The positioning of the triangular equilibrium points is discussed in a rotating coordinate system.

Lissajous Orbits at the Collinear Libration Points in the Restricted Three-Body Problem with Oblateness

In the present work, the collinear equilibrium points of the restricted three-body problem are studied under the effect of oblateness of the bigger primary using an analytical and numerical approach. The periodic orbits around these points are investigated for the Earth-Moon system. The Lissajous orbits and the phase spaces are obtained under the effect of oblateness.

Artificial Equilibrium Points in the Low-Thrust Restricted Three-Body Problem When Both the Primaries Are Oblate Spheroids

This paper studies the existence and stability of the artificial equilibrium points (AEPs) in the low-thrust restricted three-body problem when both the primaries are oblate spheroids. The artificial equilibrium points (AEPs) are generated by canceling the gravitational and centrifugal forces with continuous low-thrust at a non-equilibrium point. Some graphical investigations are shown for the effects of the relative parameters which characterized the locations of the AEPs. Also, the numerical values of AEPs have been calculated. The positions of these AEPs will depend not only also on magnitude and directions of low-thrust acceleration. The linear stability of the AEPs has been investigated. We have determined the stability regions in the xy, xz and yz-planes and studied the effect of oblateness parameters A1(0A1?and ?A2(0A2<1) on the motion of the spacecraft. We have found that the stability regions reduce around both the primaries for the increasing values of oblateness of the primaries. Finally, we have plotted the zero velocity curves to determine the possible regions of motion of the spacecraft.

Dynamics of Satellite Formation Utilizing the Perturbed Restricted Three-Body Problem

The dynamics of satellites formation is of great interest for the space mission. This work discusses a more efficient model of the relative motion dynamics of satellites formation. The model is based on employing the concepts restricted three-body problem (R3BP) and for more accuracy, it considers the effects of both oblateness and radiation pressure on deputy relative motion w.r.t the chief satellite. A model of deputy relative motion w.r.t the chief satellite is derived in the local-vertical local-horizontal system and simplified assuming the concept of the circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP). The deputy equations of motion were rewritten in the form of recurrence relations and solved numerically using the Lie series approach. Assuming that the formation is revolving around the Moon in the Earth-Moon system, the effects of both oblateness and radiation pressure on the deputy satellite orbit were assessed through a particular example of satellites formation. A comparison between the perturbed and unperturbed R3BP shows a significant difference in the deputy relative position that has to be considered for the formation dynamics.

Port-Hamiltonian Based Control of the Sun-Earth 3D Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem: Stabilization of the <i>L</i>₁Lagrange Point

In this paper, we use Port-Hamiltonian framework to stabilize the Lagrange points in the Sun-Earth three-dimensional Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CRTBP). Through rewriting the CRTBP into Port-Hamiltonian framework, we are allowed to design the feedback controller through energy-shaping and dissipation injection. The closed-loop Hamiltonian is a candidate of the Lyapunov function to establish nonlinear stability of the designed equilibrium, which enlarges the application region of feedback controller compared with that based on linearized dynamics. Results show that the Port-Hamiltonian approach allows us to successfully stabilize the Lagrange points, where the Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) may fail. The feedback system based on Port-Hamiltonian approach is also robust against white noise in the inputs.

Oblateness Effect of Saturn on Halo Orbits of L1 and L2 in Saturn-Satellites Restricted Three-Body Problem

The Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CRTBP) with more massive primary as an oblate spheroid with its equatorial plane coincident with the plane of motion of the primaries is considered to generate the halo orbits around L1 and L2 for the seven satellites (Mimas, Enceladus, Tethys, Dione, Rhea, Titan and Iapetus) of Saturn in the frame work of CRTBP. It is found that the oblateness effect of Saturn on the halo orbits of the satellites closer to Saturn has significant effect compared to the satellites away from it. The halo orbits L1 and L2 are found to move towards Saturn with oblateness.

Periodic Orbits in the Photogravitational Restricted Problem When the Primaries Are Triaxial Rigid Bodies

We have studied periodic orbits generated by Lagrangian solutions of the restricted three-body problem when both the primaries are triaxial rigid bodies and source of radiation pressure. We have determined periodic orbits for different values of (h is energy constant;μ is mass ratio of the two primaries;are parameters of triaxial rigid bodies and are radiation parameters). These orbits have been determined by giving displacements along the tangent and normal at the mobile co-ordinates as defined in our papers (Mittal et al. [1]-[3]). These orbits have been drawn by using the predictor-corrector method. We have also studied the effect of triaxial bodies and source of radiation pressure on the periodic orbits by taking fixed value of μ.

STUDIES OF MELNIKOV METHOD AND TRANSVERSAL HOMOCLINIC ORBITS IN THE CIRCULAR PLANAR RESTRICTED THREE－BODY PROBLEM

Non-Hamiltonian systems containing degenerate fixed points obtained from twodegrees of freedom near-integrable Hamiltonian systems through non-canonicaltransformations are dealt with in this paper. Two criteria .for determining theexistence of transversal homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits are presented. By exploitingthese criteria the existence of the transversal homoclinic orbits and so, of thetransversal homoclinic tangle .phenomenon in the near-integrable circular planarrestricted three-body problem with sufficiently small mass ratio of the two primaries isproven. Under some assumptions, the existence of the transversal heleroclinic orbits isproven. The global qualitative phase diagram is also illustrated.

Universal method for designing periodic orbits by homotopy classes in the elliptic restricted three-body problem

The current methods for designing periodic orbits in the elliptic restricted three-body problem(ERTBP)have the disadvantages of targeting limited orbits and ergodic searches and considering only symmetric orbits.A universal method for designing periodic orbits is proposed in this paper.First,the homotopy classes of orbits are structured based on their topological structures.Second,a dynamic model based on homotopy classes,ranging from the circular restricted three-body problem(CRTBP)to the ERTBP,can be built using the homotopy method.Third,a multi-and a single-period orbit were selected based on the resonance ratios.Finally,the corresponding orbit in the ERTBP was computed by modifying the initial condition of the orbit in the CRTBP.This method,without an ergodic search,can extend to any orbit,including an asymmetric orbit in the CRTBP,to the ERTBP model,and the two orbits are of the same homotopy class.Examples of the Earth–Moon ERTBP are presented to verify the efficiency of this method.

A novel method of periodic orbit computation in circular restricted three-body problem

Periodic orbits are fundamental keys to understand the dynamical system of circular restricted three-body problem, and they play important roles in practical deep-space exploration. Current methods of periodic orbit computation need a high-order analytical approximate solution to start the iteration process, thus making the computation complicated and limiting the types of periodic orbits that can be obtained. By utilizing the symmetry of the restricted three-body problem, a special kind of flow function is constructed, so as to map a state on the plane of symmetry to another state that also lies in this plane. Based on this flow function, a new method of periodic orbit computation is derived. This method needs neither a starting analytic approximation nor the state transition matrix to be computed, so it can be conveniently implemented on a computer. Besides, this method is unaffected by the nonlinearity of the dynamical system, allowing a large set of periodic orbits which have x-z plane symmetry to be computed numerically. As examples, some planar periodic orbits (e.g. Lyapunov orbit) and spatial periodic orbits (e.g. Halo orbit) are computed. By further combining with a differential correction process, the method introduced here can be used to design resonant orbits that can jump between different resonant frequencies. One such resonant orbit is given in this paper, verifying the efficiency of this method.

The co-orbital restricted three-body problem and its application

Based on large quantities of co-orbital phenomena in the motion of natural bodies and spacecraft, a model of the co-orbital restricted three-body problem is put forward. The fundamental results for the planar co-orbital circular restricted three-body problem are given, which include the selection of variables and equations of motion, a set of approximation formulas, and an approximate semi-analytical solution. They are applied to the motion of the barycenter of the planned gravitational observatory LISA constellation, which agrees very well with the solution of precise numerical integration.

A note on the full two-body problem and related restricted full three-body problem

Truncating at the second order of the mutual potential between two rigid bodies,time-explicit rst order solutions to the rotations and the orbital motion of the two bodies in the planar full two-body problem(F2BP)are constructed.Based on this analytical solution,equations of motion(EOMs)for the related restricted full three-body problem are given.In the case of the synchronous or double synchronous states for the full two-body problem,EOMs for the related restricted full three-body problem(RF3BP)are also given.At last,one example-the"collinear libration point"in the binary asteroid system-is given.

Koopman Reduced Order Control for Three Body Problem

In this paper, we use a Circle Restricted Three-Body Problem (CRTBP) to simulate the motion of a satellite. Then we reformulate this problem with the controller into the description using Koopman eigenfunction. Although the original dynamical system is nonlinear, the Koopman eigenfunction behaves linearly. Choosing Jacobi integral as the Koopman eigenfunction and using the zero velocity curve as the reference for control, we are allowed to combine well-developed Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) controller to design a nonlinear controller. Using this approach, we design the low thrust orbit transfer strategy for the satellite flying from the earth to the moon or from the earth to the sun.

A new class of symmetric periodic solutions of the spatial elliptic restricted three-body problem

We show that there exists a new class of symmetric periodic solutions of the spatial elliptic restricted three-body problem. In such a solution, the infinitesimal body is confined to the vicinity of a primary and moves on a nearly circular orbit. This orbit is almost perpendicular to the orbital plane of the primaries, where the line of symmetry of the orbit lies. The existence is shown by applying a corollary of Arenstorf's fixed point theorem to a periodicity equation system of the problem. And this existence doesn't require any restriction on the mass ratio of the primaries, nor on the eccentricity of their relative elliptic orbit. Potential relevance of this new class of periodic solutions to real celestial body systems and the follow-up studies in this respect are also discussed.

Improved semi-analytical computation of center manifolds near collinear libration points

In the framework of the circular restricted three-body problem, the center manifolds associated with collinear libration points contain all the bounded orbits moving around these points. Semianalytical computation of the center manifolds and the associated canonical transformation are valuable tools for exploring the design space of libration point missions. This paper deals with the refinement of reduction to the center manifold procedure. In order to reduce the amount of calculation needed and avoid repetitive computation of the Poisson bracket, a modified method is presented. By using a polynomial optimization technique, the coordinate transformation is conducted more efficiently. In addition, an alternative way to do the canonical coordinate transformation is discussed, which complements the classical approach. Numerical simulation confirms that more accurate and efficient numerical exploration of the center manifold is made possible by using the refined method.

Existence of Equilibrium Points in the R3BP with Variable Mass When the Smaller Primary is an Oblate Spheroid

The paper deals with the existence of equilibrium points in the restricted three-body problem when the smaller primary is an oblate spheroid and the infinitesimal body is of variable mass. Following the method of small parameters;the co-ordinates of collinear equilibrium points have been calculated, whereas the co-ordinates of triangular equilibrium points are established by classical method. On studying the surface of zero-velocity curves, it is found that the mass reduction factor has very minor effect on the location of the equilibrium points;whereas the oblateness parameter of the smaller primary has a significant role on the existence of equilibrium points.

Collinear Libration Points in the Photogravitational CR3BP with Zonal Harmonics and Potential from a Belt

We have studied a reformed type of the classic restricted three-body problem where the bigger primary is radiating and the smaller primary is oblate;and they are encompassed by a homogeneous circular cluster of material points centered at the mass center of the system (belt). In this dynamical model, we have derived the equations that govern the motion of the infinitesimal mass under the effects of oblateness up to the zonal harmonics J4 of the smaller primary, radiation of the bigger primary and the gravitational potential generated by the belt. Numerically, we have found that, in addition to the three collinear libration points Li (i = 1, 2, 3) in the classic restricted three-body problem, there appear four more collinear points Lni (i = 1, 2, 3, 4). Ln1 and Ln2 result due to the potential from the belt, while Ln3 and Ln4 are consequences of the oblateness up to the zonal harmonics J4 of the smaller primary. Owing to the mutual effect of all the perturbations, L1 and L3 come nearer to the primaries while Ln3 advances away from the primaries;and L2 and Ln1 tend towards the smaller primary whereas Ln2 and Ln4 draw closer to the bigger primary. The collinear libration points Li (i = 1, 2, 3) and Ln2 are linearly unstable whereas the Ln1, Ln3 and Ln4 are linearly stable. A practical application of this model could be the study of motion of a dust particle near a radiating star and an oblate body surrounded by a belt.

Libration Points in the R3BP with a Triaxial Rigid Body as the Smaller Primary and a Variable Mass Infinitesimal Bod

The paper deals with the existence of the coplanar libration points in the restricted three-body problem when the smaller primary is a triaxial rigid body and the infinitesimal body is of variable mass. Following small parameter method, the coordinates of collinear libration points are established whereas the coordinates of triangular libration points are established by classical method. It is found that the mass reduction factor has small effect but triaxiality parameters of the smaller primary have great effects on the coordinates of the libration points.