Optimal formation and replenishment of lunar satellite constellations

The paper focuses on the problem of formation and replenishment of Lunar satellite constellations. It is supposed that the orbital inclination was formed during the transfer to the orbit around the Moon. The arrangement of satellites according to their required positions is to be carried out using the special drift orbit. The precession velocity and revolution period of this orbit differ from the parameters of future operational orbits. The usage of a drift orbit allows to solve two tasks: it is possible to form the configuration of satellites in one orbital plane, at the same time several orbital planes can be achieved. © 2017 Univelt Inc. All rights reserved.