Space

8671 readers

131 users here now

Share & discuss informative content on: Astrophysics, Cosmology, Space Exploration, Planetary Science and Astrobiology.

Rules

Be respectful and inclusive.
No harassment, hate speech, or trolling.
Engage in constructive discussions.
Share relevant content.
Follow guidelines and moderators' instructions.
Use appropriate language and tone.
Report violations.
Foster a continuous learning environment.

Picture of the Day

The Busy Center of the Lagoon Nebula

Related Communities

🔭 Science

🚀 Engineering

🌌 Art and Photography

Other Cool Links

founded 1 year ago

MODERATORS

[email protected]

124

NASA can’t talk to its Mars robots for two weeks because the sun is in the way (www.engadget.com)

submitted 11 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]

33 comments fedilink hide all child comments

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments

[–] threelonmusketeers 1 points 11 months ago (1 children)

plus a good amount of propellant for station keeping

Aren't L4 and L5 naturally stable points? A large propellant budget shouldn't be required for station keeping.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago) (1 children)

They are much more stable than other locations but are not completely stable, so station keeping is required. In a theoretical two body system Lagrange points would be perfectly stable but that is not the case with the solar system. Eg: The orbit of the moon ever so slightly effects the Sun - Earth Lagrange points.

The JWST is a good example. The expected observational lifespan of the telescope is based on how long it is able to remain at L2.

NASA Says Webb’s Excess Fuel Likely to Extend its Lifetime Expectations

[–] threelonmusketeers 1 points 11 months ago* (last edited 11 months ago)

The JWST is a good example. The expected observational lifespan of the telescope is based on how long it is able to remain at L2.

I thought L1, L2, and L3 were unstable but L4 and L5 were stable. Hence why asteroids and other detritus tend to collect at L4/L5.

Edit: Huh, it looks like the stability of L4 and L5 are dependent on the mass ratio of the two bodies. The ratio works out for the Sun-Earth system, so it should also work for the Sun-Mars system.