Multibody orbit architectures for lunar south pole coverage

A potential ground station at the lunar south pole has prompted studies of orbit architectures that ensure adequate coverage. The creation of multibody orbit constellations begins with an investigation of periodic orbits in the circular restricted three-body problem. A detailed analysis of halo and vertical families, as well as other orbits near the libration points in the vicinity of the moon, suggests that constant communications can be achieved with two spacecraft in combinations of Earth-moon libration-point orbits. In particular, the investigation focuses on nine different orbits from these families with periods ranging from 7 to 16 days. Natural solutions are generated in a full-ephemeris model including solar perturbations. Possible ground stations on the moon and the Earth are established for coverage results and verification of communications capabilities. Preliminary station-keeping costs are also computed for long-term communications with the ground stations.