Supercomputer Study Finds 97,000 Stable Orbits Between Earth and Moon

Researchers at the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory conducted an extensive study simulating one million satellite orbits between Earth and the Moon to evaluate their long-term stability. The findings revealed that fewer than 10% of these orbits remained stable over a six-year period, underscoring the complexities involved in operating within cislunar space. However, the study identified about 97,000 stable orbits, presenting significant possibilities for future space missions. Utilizing advanced parallel supercomputing techniques, the research was completed in just a few days, offering a comprehensive framework for navigating the increasingly critical Earth-Moon region. This work not only enhances our understanding of orbital dynamics but also paves the way for potential lunar exploration and activities, as interest in cislunar space grows among various space agencies and private enterprises.