Introduction to the restricted Jupiter orbiter problem

Abstract

We consider a restricted six-body problem. The Galilean satellites' orbits are circular and coplanar; Io, Europa, and Ganymede are in exact resonance; their mean longitudes obey the Laplace relation. We seek periodic orbits which avoid close approaches to any satellite; such orbits are of interest for mission planning. They are approximated as fixed points of sets of variational equations associated with time-averaged disturbing functions. Stability of the solutions is also determined. The orbits of greatest interest are: planar - twice Callisto's period, eccentricity less than or equal to 0.6; planar - four times Callisto's period, eccentricity less than or equal to 0.75; slightly inclined - twice Callisto's period, eccentricity arbitrary; and planar - 4/5 or 5/4 Europa's period.