Moon-tracking orbits using motorized tethers for continuous earth–moon payload exchanges

Murray, C. and Cartmell, M.P. (2013) Moon-tracking orbits using motorized tethers for continuous earth–moon payload exchanges. Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics, 36(2), pp. 567-576. (doi: 10.2514/1.56248)

Abstract

For human colonization of the moon to become reality, an efficient and regular means of exchanging resources between the Earth and the moon must be established. One possibility is to pass and receive payloads at regular intervals between a symmetrically laden motorized momentum-exchange tether orbiting about Earth and a second orbiting about the moon. There are significant challenges associated with this method, among the greatest of which is the development of a system that incorporates the complex motion of the moon into its operational architecture in addition to conducting these exchanges on a per-lunar-orbit basis. One way of achieving this is to use a motorized tether orbiting Earth and tracking the nodes of the moon’s orbit to allow payload exchanges to be undertaken periodically with the arrival of the moon at either of these nodes. Tracking these nodes is achieved by arranging the tether to orbit Earth with a critical inclination, thus rendering its argument of perigee stationary in addition to using the precession effects resulting from an oblate Earth. Using this in conjunction with pre-emptive adjustments to its angle of right ascension, the tether will periodically realign itself with these nodes simultaneously with the arrival of the moon.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Murray, Dr Christopher
• Authors: Murray, C., and Cartmell, M.P.
• College/School: College of Science and Engineering; College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Systems Power and Energy
• Journal Name: Journal of Guidance, Control, and Dynamics
• Publisher: American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• ISSN: 0731-5090
• ISSN (Online): 1533-3884
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2012 American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• First Published: First published in Journal of Guidance, Control and Dynamics 36(2):567-576
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced in accordance with the copyright policy of the publisher