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arXiv:2105.10088physics.space-ph

Long-term Orbit Stability of the Apollo 11 Eagle Lunar Module Ascent Stage

James Meador

Early discovery. Linked by one identifiable commenter. This paper is outside the main ranking; a mention is not an endorsement.

Abstract

The Apollo 11 Eagle Lunar Module ascent stage was abandoned in lunar orbit after the historic landing in 1969. Its fate is unknown. Numerical analysis described here provides evidence that this object might have remained in lunar orbit to the present day. The simulations show a periodic variation in eccentricity of the orbit, correlated to the selenographic longitude of the apsidal line. The rate of apsidal precession is correlated to eccentricity. These two factors appear to interact to stabilize the orbit over the long term.

arXiv comments
13 pages, 8 figures. Submitted to Planetary and Space Science
Journal reference
DOI
Subjects
physics.space-phSpace Physics

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Linked by 1 identifiable commenter in 1 comment across 1 thread, from Jul 2021 to Jul 2021. Found in 1 HN submission from Aug 2021 to Aug 2021. Open submission discussions.

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  1. Apollo 11 ascent stage may still be orbiting the moon 1 comment

    • That's a very Kerbally orbit -- a lot of the perilunes go below 20 km (!) https://arxiv.org/abs/2105.10088 Related (linked by the paper): https://www.nasa.gov/feature/jpl/new-nasa-radar-technique-fi... ("New NASA Radar Technique Finds Lost Lunar Spacecraft")

      perihelionsView on HNParent context

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