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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2023
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| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.10970 |
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| _version_ | 1866914664517992448 |
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| author | Ito, Takahiro |
| author_facet | Ito, Takahiro |
| contents | Spacecraft formation flying serves as a method of astronomical instrumentation that enables the construction of large virtual structures in space. The formation-flying interferometry generally requires very-high control accuracy, and beyond-Earth orbits are typically selected. By contrast, this study proposes the use of geocentric orbits for formation-flying interferometry. A geocentric orbit is beneficial because of its economic accessibility and the availability of flight-proven technologies for formation-flying autonomy, safety, and management. Its feasibility depends on the existence of specific orbits that satisfy a small-disturbance environment with favorable observation conditions. This theory, developed based on celestial mechanics, indicates that small-perturbation regions tend to appear in higher-altitude and shorter-separation regions. Candidate orbits are identified in high Earth orbit for the triangular laser-interferometric gravitational-wave telescope, which is 100 km in size, and in medium Earth orbit for the linear astronomical interferometer, which is 0.5 km in size. A low Earth orbit with a separation of approximately 0.1 km may be suitable for experimental purposes. As shown in these examples, geocentric orbits are potentially applicable for various types of formation-flying interferometry. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2311_10970 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2023 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | Formation-flying interferometry in geocentric orbits Ito, Takahiro Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics Spacecraft formation flying serves as a method of astronomical instrumentation that enables the construction of large virtual structures in space. The formation-flying interferometry generally requires very-high control accuracy, and beyond-Earth orbits are typically selected. By contrast, this study proposes the use of geocentric orbits for formation-flying interferometry. A geocentric orbit is beneficial because of its economic accessibility and the availability of flight-proven technologies for formation-flying autonomy, safety, and management. Its feasibility depends on the existence of specific orbits that satisfy a small-disturbance environment with favorable observation conditions. This theory, developed based on celestial mechanics, indicates that small-perturbation regions tend to appear in higher-altitude and shorter-separation regions. Candidate orbits are identified in high Earth orbit for the triangular laser-interferometric gravitational-wave telescope, which is 100 km in size, and in medium Earth orbit for the linear astronomical interferometer, which is 0.5 km in size. A low Earth orbit with a separation of approximately 0.1 km may be suitable for experimental purposes. As shown in these examples, geocentric orbits are potentially applicable for various types of formation-flying interferometry. |
| title | Formation-flying interferometry in geocentric orbits |
| topic | Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2311.10970 |