Catalog and Characterization of Science Orbit Configurations for an Enceladus Orbiter

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.

Publication Details

Journal
ArXiv.org
Published
2025-10-14
Primary Topic
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Type
article
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article

Catalog and Characterization of Science Orbit Configurations for an Enceladus Orbiter

ArXiv.org
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
article

Catalog and Characterization of Science Orbit Configurations for an Enceladus Orbiter

article en

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.

ArXiv.org
Openalex Percentile: Top 34%
Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
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Catalog and Characterization of Science Orbit Configurations for an Enceladus Orbiter · ArXiv.org (2025) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS