MAXIMUM STABLE ORBIT OF A DISTANT LUNAR SATELLITE.
Abstract
The general nature and limits of motion of a distant lunar satellite in a retrograde orbit are investigated. The equations of motion are those of the restricted three-body problem and are written considering a circular orbit for the moon about the earth. The general motion is distinctly different from that of a close satellite and closely resembles the cross section of the exact sphere of influence. What is defined as the exact sphere of influence of the moon is not actually a sphere, but it resembles an ellipsoid displaced slightly away from the earth. The maximum distance from the moon for a stable orbit was found to be about 43,000 statute miles. The maximum initial radius at injection varied in proportion to the sphere of influence radius. The effect of the eccentricity of the moon's orbit on the distant satellite was to make the orbit considerably more sensitive to changes in initial radius and to slightly reduce the maximum orbital radius and maximum initial radius.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0610232
Entities
People
- Jerry Eugene White
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology