Long-term evolution of highly-elliptical orbits: luni-solar perturbation effects for stability and re-entry

This paper investigates the long-term evolution of spacecraft in Highly Elliptical Orbits (HEOs). The single averaged disturbing potential due to luni-solar perturbations and zonal harmonics of the Earth gravity field is written. The double averaged potential is also derived in the Earth-centered equatorial system. Maps of long-term evolution are constructed to identify conditions for quasi-frozen, or long-lived libration orbits. In addition to allow meeting specific mission constraints, quasi-frozen orbits can be selected as graveyard orbits for the end-of-life of HEO missions. On the opposite side, unstable conditions can be exploited to target an Earth re-entry at the end-of-mission.