4 ms·
At least in the idealized, restricted three-body problem — two large bodies in circular orbit plus a satellite of negligible mass — the Lagrange points are true
by DavidSJ 7y ago
At least in the idealized, restricted three-body problem — two large bodies in circular orbit plus a satellite of negligible mass — the Lagrange points are true points, but they represent not a destination for the satellite, but rather the center around which a near enough satellite will orbit harmonically, under essentially the same equations that govern a spring (a restorative force linear with displacement). It truly is a stable equilibrium in that sense. No station-keeping is required.
In practice there will be slight perturbations due to the presence of other bodies, but the ∆V requirements for station-keeping are minimal.
- Retric 7y agoUnfortunately, it’s a 4 body problem. Sun, earth, moon, and artificial satellite which makes these points unstable even assuming point masses. At best L4 and L5 might possibly be stable over millions of years assuming ideal conditions.