Libration point staging options for SEI lunar missions - Station keeping implications

Abstract

Libration point staging is one alternative to lunar orbit rendezvous which is being examined for the Space Exploration Initiative lunar missions. The libration point staging strategy being considered would eliminate the lunar mid-latitude accessibility constraint for long duration missions. Staging options for such a strategy are discussed with particular emphasis on the impact of the libration points' stability. The equations of motion for a satellite at the libration points are numerically integrated to investigate the stability and to determine the station-keeping requirements. These requirements are presented, and overall requirements for libration point staging briefly summarized. The results indicate that the slight eccentricity of the Moon's orbit would result in excessive station-keeping requirements for long duration missions.