Feedback Control Methods on Short-Period Orbits Of the Earth-Moon Equilateral Libration Points

Recent research by the authors suggests a unique approach to perform Lunar occultations for a diverse set of scientific applications. Under the circular restricted three-body problem assumptions, short-period orbits (SPOs) near the Earth-Moon equilateral Libration points have been suggested for optimal eclipse time and minimal fuel consumption requirements to stay in orbit. Nevertheless, under the presence of orbital perturbations, SPOs are no longer stable as gravitational effects from neighboring celestial bodies continuously perturb these orbits. In this sense, the current study compares a wide range of control methods, including Lyapunov-based adaptive control schemes and fuel-optimal control policies, to address the fuel consumption and tracking issues of the perturbed system. This inquiry attests that perturbations are effectively cancelled out to achieve the proposed scientific objectives with minimal station-keeping requirements.