L5

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

One of the five libration points in the Earth-Moon system, located at the vertex of an equilateral triangle with the Earth and Moon as the other two vertices, 60 degrees behind the Moon in its orbit, also called the 'trailing' triangular libration point. In the circular restricted three-body problem, it is a stable equilibrium point along with L4, but solar gravitational perturbation calls the stability of triangular points into severe question.

Application Value

As a stable libration point in the Earth-Moon system, the L5 point can serve as a long-term on-orbit navigation or communication support station. However, solar gravitational perturbation significantly affects its stability, and mission designers must evaluate the long-term viability of the L5 point in mission planning.

References

  • Catlin and McLaughlin, 2007
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong