\(J_2\) invariant relative orbits for spacecraft formations (Q5943545)

The authors present an analytical method to study \(J_2\) invariant relative orbits. Working with mean orbital elements, they set equal the secular drift of longitude of ascending node and the mean argument of latitude between two neighboring orbits. Both orbit drifts at equal angular rates on the average do not separate over time due to the \(J_2\) influence. Two first-order conditions are established between the differences in momentum elements (semi-major axis, eccentricity and orbital inclination) that guarantee that the drift rates of the two neighboring orbits are equal on the average. Differences in the longitude of ascending node, argument of perigee and mean anomaly can be set at will. For near polar orbits, enforcing both momentum element constraints may result in impractically large relative orbits. In this case it is shown that the dropping the equal ascending node rate still avoids considerable relative orbit drift.