Parking at Lagrange point at Phobos & Mars

In summary, if a craft is parked at the Phobos-Mars Lagrange point, it will remain stable. However, if it moves horizontally with respect to Mars, it will no longer be balanced by Phobos' gravity and will fall towards Mars, potentially ending up in an elliptical orbit. The extent of this movement and resulting orbit change depends on the direction and magnitude of the movement. Additionally, objects are not actually placed on the Lagrange point, but rather orbit or hover around it to maintain their position.
  • #1
andrewbee
If you have a craft parked at the Phobos-Mars Lagrange point, it's stable. I get that. But, what if you move, horizontally with respect to Mars? I assume you're no longer balanced out by Phobos' gravity, and will therefore fall towards Mars and end up in an elliptical orbit? If so, how far would you have to move for this to happen?

Lot of questions I know, but any input appreciated.

Thanks
 
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  • #2
Well, at the Lagrange point, you are still in an orbit, so movement will change the conditions of that orbit and any number of things could happen. It depends on what direction, and how much, you change your orbit. Also, you don't really put things on a point in space, you have them hover around the area or orbit the L-point just making sure the craft doesn't leave the lagrange point region.
 

1. How do you park at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars?

Parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars involves using precise calculations and maneuvers to position a spacecraft in a stable orbit at the point where the gravitational forces of the two bodies cancel out. This requires careful planning and execution to ensure the spacecraft stays in place.

2. Why would we want to park at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars?

Parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars offers a strategic location for scientific observations and future missions. It provides a stable platform for conducting experiments and studying the surrounding environment of both planets.

3. What challenges are involved in parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars?

The primary challenge in parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars is the precise calculations and maneuvers required to maintain the spacecraft's position. Any small error could result in the spacecraft drifting off course or being pulled towards one of the planets' gravitational fields.

4. Are there any benefits to parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars?

Yes, there are several benefits to parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars. It allows for long-term observations of both planets and their moons, as well as potential future missions to explore these bodies. Additionally, it can serve as a communication relay point for spacecraft in the area.

5. How does parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars compare to parking in Earth orbit?

Parking at a Lagrange point at Phobos and Mars is significantly different from parking in Earth orbit. In Earth orbit, a spacecraft is usually in a circular or elliptical orbit around the planet, while at a Lagrange point, it is essentially "parked" in a specific location. The stability and precision required for parking at a Lagrange point are also much greater than in Earth orbit.

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