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On the design of a science orbit about EuropaA science mission about Europa requires high-inclination low-altitude orbits. However, perturbations of Jupiter on the orbiter result in instability. Previous approaches to maximize the lifetime of the orbiter use the doubly averaged problem. We work with the unaveraged equations and find unstable periodic orbits with long lifetimes. These low-altitude repeat ground track solutions exist at all inclinations, making them suitable for mapping missions. The governing dynamics include Hill's model and a Europa gravity field based on synchronous moon theory. Inclusion of additional gravity terms is trivial to the solution method, and for the case of J3, we find a marginal impact on orbit lifetime. The science orbits are found to last on the order of 1 year when the initial conditions are achieved to 11 significant digits and 4 months when only 3 significant digits are achieved. Finally, we demonstrate that the solutions are robust in a realistic ephemeris model, finding average lifetimes of 3 to 4 months for wide range of initial conditions with peak lifetimes of up to 6 months.
Document ID
20060043649
Acquisition Source
Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Document Type
Conference Paper
External Source(s)
Authors
Lara, Martin
Russell, Ryan
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 22, 2006
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Science And Exploration
Meeting Information
Meeting: 2006 AAS/AIAA SpaceFlight Mechanics Meeting
Location: Tampa, FL
Country: United States
Start Date: January 22, 2006
End Date: January 26, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other
Keywords
unstable
Europa
mapping
periodic
orbit
repeat ground tracks

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