Accelerated deorbiting of MEO satellites using low-thrust propulsion and resonant perturbations

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Wang, Chunyu and Huang, Runxiang and Yang, Kun and Feng, Jinglang and Liu, Xiaodong (2026) Accelerated deorbiting of MEO satellites using low-thrust propulsion and resonant perturbations. Journal of Aerospace Engineering, 39 (2). 04025142. ISSN 0893-1321 (https://doi.org/10.1061/jaeeez.aseng-6751)

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Abstract

In the medium Earth orbit (MEO) region, lunisolar secular resonances can lead to long-term eccentricity growth over timescales of centuries. To accelerate the orbital decay of end-of-life satellites, this study proposes a strategy that uses low-thrust maneuvers to relocate them into resonant zones where orbital lifetimes are significantly reduced. Lifetime distribution maps for GPS- and Galileo-like orbits, constructed on the (Ω,) plane using a double-averaged Hamiltonian model, reveal extensive regions where the orbital lifetimes are less than 100 years or between 100 and 200 years. These resonant zones are, therefore, optimal targets for end-of-life post-mission disposal (PMD). By combining low-thrust maneuvers with natural dynamical resonances, the proposed strategy enables a substantial reduction in lifetime with minimal fuel consumption, offering a cost-effective approach to satellite deorbiting. Theoretical feasibility is demonstrated through representative transfer scenarios, although further analysis is needed to assess its practical implementation under operational constraints.

ORCID iDs

Wang, Chunyu, Huang, Runxiang, Yang, Kun, Feng, Jinglang ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0376-886X and Liu, Xiaodong;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)