 .flv 26 MB |
This movie shows a satellite formation, similar to the Terrestrial Planet Finder, moving in an orbit near
the L2 libration point. The four outer satellites are following trajectories that (theoretically) require no thrust in the circular restricted
three body problem, as they are natural solutions to the equations of motion. The satellite trajectories are shown in both an inertial frame
and rotating frame. Millard
Visuals: Brown, Olikara and Patterson |
 .flv 25 MB |
Eight satellites begin on the same plane near a nominal halo orbit near L2. These satellites are controlled to
remain within a 1000 km (arbitrary) radius sphere of the nominal orbit and do not collide. The relative distances
between the satellites are shown in "real-time" as the simulation progresses. Millard |
 .flv 33 MB |
Fifteen satellites begin in an "igloo" formation relative to a nominal halo orbit near L2. These satellites are controlled to remain within a 1 km (arbitrary) radius sphere of the nominal orbit and do not collide. The relative distances between the satellites are shown in "real-time" as the simulation progresses, with distances less than 0.5km shown in yellow and relative distances less than
0.25km shown in red. This formation could be compared to the Solar Imaging Radio Array (SIRA) mission. Millard |
 .flv 2 MB |
A different frame for visualizing satellites formations is presented here. Satellites are controled to remain on a rotating plane, within 100km of a nominal orbit near the L1 libration point. The satellites are shown in an interial frame, with the direction of the nominal orbit changing in time. The location of the formation along the nominal orbit is also shown. Millard |
 .flv 450 KB |
This movie illustrates interferometric image reconstruction of an image of Jupiter by an interferometric satellite
formation. The simulation shows how the measured image of Jupiter changes as more and more interferometric measurements are taken (97 total). It is
assumed that this image is located 4.2 million miles from the Earth at our nearest star, Alpha Centauri. It is also assumed that the light from the Jupiter image is visible red light, with a wavelength on the order of 200 nanometers. Millard |
 .flv 21 MB |
Satellites in this movie have no thrusters and are not given an initial condition on any advantageous natural solution. Thus, the satellites quickly depart the vicinity of a nominal L2 libration point orbit. Millard |
