Optimizing orbits for TianQin
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
2021-02-17 v1 Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics
Abstract
TianQin is a geocentric space-based gravitational-wave observatory mission consisting of three drag-free controlled satellites in an equilateral triangle with an orbital radius of km. The constellation faces the white-dwarf binary RX J0806.3+1527 located slightly below the ecliptic plane, and is subject to gravitational perturbations that can distort the formation. In this study, we present combined methods to optimize the TianQin orbits so that a set of 5-year stability requirements can be met. Moreover, we discuss slow long-term drift of the detector pointing due to orbital precession, and put forward stable orbits with six other pointings along the lunar orbital plane. Some implications of the findings are pointed out.
Cite
@article{arxiv.2012.03260,
title = {Optimizing orbits for TianQin},
author = {Bo-Bing Ye and Xuefeng Zhang and Ming-Yue Zhou and Yan Wang and Hui-Min Yuan and Defeng Gu and Yanwei Ding and Jinxiu Zhang and Jianwei Mei and Jun Luo},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:2012.03260},
year = {2021}
}