Abstract
We analyze orbital stability of satellites (moonlet, spacecraft) near a slowly rotating axisymmetric asteroid. Using simple point mass models as a guide, we discover an unstable region near the equatorial plane of an indented asteroid. The existence of stable/unstable regions is confirmed numerically for a realistic “peanut” model asteroid. The stable region is found to survive small asteroidal rotation about an axis of maximum moment of inertia. A simple semi‐empirical formula is found for the orbital tilt angle as a function of asteroid rotation speed. Implications for motion about realistic asteroids are discussed.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
