Altitude maintenance for a low-lunar polar orbit

A. Yu. Tsaregorodtsev


Abstract: This paper addresses the problem of maintaining a low polar lunar orbit within an altitude corridor of 50 to 80 km. Such low lunar orbits are promising for scientific research but are subject to significant perturbations caused by the non-uniformity of the Moon’s gravitational field. An algorithm for selecting initial orbital elements is proposed, which minimizes the maximum deviation of the flight altitude from the nominal value of 65 km over the interval between corrections. Based on an analysis of orbital evolution, several maintenance schemes have been developed, differing in the frequency of corrections and maneuver parameters. An optimal scheme is selected based on the criteria of delta-V costs and maintenance accuracy within the specified altitude range. A methodology for calculating the parameters of orbit maintenance maneuvers is presented. An analysis of contingency scenarios leading to the postponement of corrections is conducted.

Keywords: artificial lunar satellite, optimal orbit, orbit maintenance.