Storage Orbit

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A periodic orbit selected for long-term parking of space-based infrastructure such as propellant depots or habitats. Selection criteria include low annual station-keeping delta-V, accessibility from Earth or libration point orbits, and period/geometry that do not severely constrain launch windows. DROs are typical candidates due to their low maintenance cost and favorable geometry.

Application Value

This concept plays an important role in cislunar space mission design and orbital dynamics analysis.

References

  • Folta et al., 2015
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong