Evaluating Butterfly Orbits in the Earth-Moon Corridor for SSA, Lunar Surface Surveillance, and Cislunar Disposal

Author

Contessa G. Norris

Date of Award

3-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Astronautical Engineering

Department

Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics

First Advisor

Robert A. Bettinger, PhD

Abstract

The increased space activity in the region of cislunar space has created a high demand to identify, track, and monitor Resident Space Objects (RSOs) and provide cislunar disposal routes for RSOs. This research investigates the practicality of various satellite maneuvers between orbits chosen from the butterfly and dragonfly orbit families. Several simulated trajectories are compared to show the feasibility of performing a maneuver in cislunar and lunar space between the L1 and L2 Lagrange points. Additionally, lunar surface space situational awareness (SSA) capabilities of northern and southern butterfly (BN/BS) orbits were evaluated and compared to provide the most favorable dynamic model for space-based lunar surveillance. This research also investigates the practicality of various trajectories for decommissioned satellites chosen from unstable manifolds in the BS orbit family. Gravitational effects from the Earth, Moon, and Sun are incorporated into several simulated trajectories in order to best evaluate their feasibility for cislunar disposal. Results of this research show that butterfly orbits can be highly effective for observing RSOs in or near a dragonfly orbit, with all scenarios providing at least 90% visibility year-round. Further analysis concludes that the butterfly orbit family is unfavorable for a primarily lunar surveillance mission. Additionally, various manifold-based trajectories originating from a butterfly orbit were found to be optimal for cislunar disposal, particularly for decommissioning satellites.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENY-MS-24-M-200

Comments

A 12-month embargo was observed for posting this work on AFIT Scholar.

Distribution Statement A, Approved for Public Release. PA case number on file.

The SF298 form for this work is included separately below, in the additional files section.

Recommended Citation

Norris, Contessa G., "Evaluating Butterfly Orbits in the Earth-Moon Corridor for SSA, Lunar Surface Surveillance, and Cislunar Disposal" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 7893.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/7893