Īlarcon, J.R.C., Orger, N.C., Kim, S., et al.: Analysis of lifetime extension capabilities for CubeSats equipped with a low-thrust propulsion system for Moon missions. The low-cost control strategies are also obtained.Ībouelmagd, E.I.: Periodic solution of the two–body problem by KB averaging method within frame of the modified newtonian potential. Numerical simulations show that these artificial orbits have the ability of achieving the frozen behavior, with acceptable required velocity increments. Second, through a semi-analytical approach, fuel-optimal low-thrust strategies which satisfy the proposed frozen strategies are derived to generate the artificial frozen orbits. The analysis of the evolution characteristic of the artificial frozen orbit is presented. First, based on an analytical method, two frozen strategies are developed for maintaining the Europa probe, which use indirect and direct neutralization of the eccentricity drift, respectively. The design method is separated into two parts.

In this work, we propose methods for designing near-circle and high-inclination artificial frozen orbits around Europa. Previous studies have concentrated on long lifetime orbits, but seldom maintained the orbits with low-thrust propulsion. However, the eccentricity drifts due to Jovian third-body gravity and Europa’s non-spherical gravity perturbations.

High-inclination near-circular orbits are valuable for Europa’s global observation.

Frozen orbit