Cross-characterization of objects in libration orbits around the Western stable point
- Paper number
IAC-12,A6,1,21.p1,x15622
- Author
Dr. Mark Skinner, Boeing, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Steve Gregory, The Boeing Company, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Joseph Toth, The Boeing Company, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Ray Russell, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. Richard Rudy, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Mr. Daryl Kim, The Aerospace Corporation, United States
- Coauthor
Dr. David Palmer, United States
- Year
2012
- Abstract
The non-spherical nature of the Earth gives rise to two geo-potential wells or “stable points” that affect objects in geostationary and geosynchronous orbits. The existence of the two stable points (Eastern at longitude 75° E, Western at 105° W) causes active satellites to perform E-W station-keeping maneuvers to maintain a constant longitude. Non-station-kept objects will be gravitational attracted to the closest stable point, and will oscillate about the stable point. We have identified approximately 45 objects in libration orbits about the Western stable point*. We have carried out an observation campaign utilizing several optical sensors to collect data on a representative sample of these objects, at a variety of solar phase angles. We collected data in several wavebands, and at different temporal resolutions. We describe our methods, the data collected, our results, and our future plans. * Choc, R., Flohrer, T., and Bastida, B., “Classification of Geosynchronous Objects,” Issue 13, ESA/ESOC, February 2011.
- Abstract document
- Manuscript document
(absent)