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Catalog and Characterization of Science Orbit Configurations for an Enceladus Orbiter

Spencer Boone, Joan Pau Sanchez Cuartialles, Stéphanie Lizy-Destrez

TL;DR

This paper addresses the need for a consistent, comparative catalog of science orbit options for an Enceladus orbiter within Saturn–Enceladus dynamics. It systematically analyzes dynamical models (primarily the CR3BP, with oblate and ephemeris considerations) and computes a range of orbit families, including $L_1$/$L_2$ halo orbits, higher-period bifurcations (period-doubling, period-tripling), butterfly orbits, and $L_4$/$L_5$ axial families, as well as low-energy heteroclinic connections. Key contributions include identifying higher-period structures that yield varied groundtrack geometries and establishing a baseline catalog that can guide preliminary mission design; heteroclinic connections offer additional avenues for global surface mapping with low propulsion costs. The results have practical significance for mission planning, enabling designers to mix orbit families to optimize South Pole coverage and observation geometry while balancing operational and fuel constraints, thereby advancing Enceladus science objectives. $L_1$, $L_2$, $J_2$, and other dynamical features are used to structure the analysis and provide actionable design options for future missions.

Abstract

Saturn's moon Enceladus is an exciting destination for future exploration missions due to the scientifically interesting geyser region located on its South pole. In this work, we compile the different types of science orbit configurations that have been proposed in the literature and present numerical methods to compute each of them in the Saturn-Enceladus circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP). In addition, we explore the utility of the higher period dynamical structures found in the CR3BP. Figures of merit such as the observational properties and geometries for each family of orbits are presented. By providing a consistent analysis of potential Enceladus science orbits, this work can serve as a baseline for future mission designs.

Catalog and Characterization of Science Orbit Configurations for an Enceladus Orbiter

TL;DR

This paper addresses the need for a consistent, comparative catalog of science orbit options for an Enceladus orbiter within Saturn–Enceladus dynamics. It systematically analyzes dynamical models (primarily the CR3BP, with oblate and ephemeris considerations) and computes a range of orbit families, including / halo orbits, higher-period bifurcations (period-doubling, period-tripling), butterfly orbits, and / axial families, as well as low-energy heteroclinic connections. Key contributions include identifying higher-period structures that yield varied groundtrack geometries and establishing a baseline catalog that can guide preliminary mission design; heteroclinic connections offer additional avenues for global surface mapping with low propulsion costs. The results have practical significance for mission planning, enabling designers to mix orbit families to optimize South Pole coverage and observation geometry while balancing operational and fuel constraints, thereby advancing Enceladus science objectives. , , , and other dynamical features are used to structure the analysis and provide actionable design options for future missions.

Abstract

Saturn's moon Enceladus is an exciting destination for future exploration missions due to the scientifically interesting geyser region located on its South pole. In this work, we compile the different types of science orbit configurations that have been proposed in the literature and present numerical methods to compute each of them in the Saturn-Enceladus circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP). In addition, we explore the utility of the higher period dynamical structures found in the CR3BP. Figures of merit such as the observational properties and geometries for each family of orbits are presented. By providing a consistent analysis of potential Enceladus science orbits, this work can serve as a baseline for future mission designs.
Paper Structure (15 sections, 4 equations, 15 figures, 1 table)

This paper contains 15 sections, 4 equations, 15 figures, 1 table.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Dynamic models
  3. Circular restricted three-body problem
  4. Hill three body problem
  5. Circular restricted three-body problem with oblate primaries
  6. Ephemeris model
  7. Evaluation of dynamic models
  8. Halo orbits and associated higher-period bifurcations
  9. $L_1$ and $L_2$ halo orbit families
  10. $L_1$ and $L_2$ halo orbit families
  11. Higher-period halo orbit family bifurcations
  12. Butterfly orbit family
  13. $L_4$ and $L_5$ axial orbit families
  14. Heteroclinic connection families
  15. Conclusions and future work

Figures (15)

  • Figure 1: Enhanced view of Enceladus' South pole region showing the locations of organic-rich geysers in blue [Source: NASA]
  • Figure 2: $L_2$ NRHO computed in the oblate CR3BP
  • Figure 4: $L_1$ family of halo orbits
  • Figure 7: $L_2$ family of halo orbits
  • Figure 10: Broucke stability diagram for $L_2$ halo orbit family in Saturn-Enceladus system
  • ...and 10 more figures