Natural motion around the Martian moon Phobos: the dynamical substitutes of the Libration Point Orbits in an elliptic three-body problem with gravity harmonics

What is it about?

The work studies the natural motion of a spacecraft in the vicinity of Mars' moon Phobos. It identifies orbits that could be useful for future observational missions to Phobos and identifies natural landing trajectories. It also provides evidence that supports the theory for the formation of Phobos' Stickney crater.

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Why is it important?

This research could be important for the design of fuel-efficient station-keeping motions to Phobos as a prerequisite mission to human missions to mars. It could also be important to identify regions that are safer for humans from radiation exposure during a future mars mission.