// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Lagrangian
Lagrangian points are specific locations in space where the gravitational forces of two large bodies, like Earth and the Sun, balance, allowing a smaller object to remain relatively stable.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Lagrangian points (L-points) are five specific positions in an orbital configuration of two large celestial bodies where a small object, under their combined gravitational influence, can maintain a stable or semi-stable position relative to them, crucial for spacecraft placement.
BACKGROUND
China has one of the most active space programs in the world. With launch vehicles of the Long March rocket family and four spaceports, China conducts the most or second most orbital launches each year. China's fleet of over 1,300 Earth orbit satellites serves communication, navigation, reconnaissance and scientific research. China Manned Space Program operates Tiangong, one of two active space stations alongside the International Space Station (ISS). China National Space Administration (CNSA) has achieved robotic rover, lander, and orbiter missions to the Moon and Mars.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- L-points
- Lagrange points
- Gravitational balance points
- Equilibrium points
USAGE NOTE
The James Webb Space Telescope is positioned at the Sun-Earth L2 Lagrangian point.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Lagrangian.
A US government agency that operates numerous scientific missions at Sun-Earth Lagrange points, including the James Webb Space Telescope (L2) and the Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (L1). NASA is also leading the development of the Lunar Gateway, which will utilize a Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) related to Earth-Moon Lagrange points.
An intergovernmental organization that develops and operates major scientific missions at Lagrange points, such as the Gaia observatory and Euclid space telescope at the Sun-Earth L2 point. ESA is also a key partner in the JWST and the Artemis program's Lunar Gateway.
An aerospace and defense company that was the prime contractor for NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, responsible for the spacecraft bus and sunshield for its operation at the Sun-Earth L2 point. They are also building the Habitation and Logistics Outpost (HALO) for the Lunar Gateway.
A major European aerospace manufacturer that has built numerous spacecraft designed for stable operation at Lagrange points, including ESA's Gaia, Euclid, and Herschel missions which were all sent to the Sun-Earth L2 point.
A commercial space company that developed the Photon spacecraft bus and launched NASA's CAPSTONE mission. CAPSTONE's primary goal was to test the unique Near-Rectilinear Halo Orbit (NRHO) which leverages Earth-Moon Lagrange points and will be used by the Lunar Gateway station.
A Franco-Italian aerospace manufacturer that served as a prime contractor for ESA's Herschel and Planck observatories at L2. The company is also building key pressurized modules for the international Lunar Gateway, including the I-HAB and ESPRIT modules.
A global aerospace company and the prime contractor for NASA's Orion spacecraft. Orion is designed for human missions to deep space, including docking with the Lunar Gateway in its specialized orbit which relies on the gravitational stability of Earth-Moon Lagrange points.
A commercial company focused on lunar exploration and in-space services. The company is developing orbital platforms and communication relays for cislunar space, with mission architectures that could utilize the stable positions offered by Earth-Moon Lagrange points.