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A review of orbital mechanics for space-based gravitational wave observatories - EurekAlert

Gravitational waves (GWs) are “ripples in space-time” and strain waves propagating in the space-time geometry. The detection of gravitational waves (GWs) is critical to the understanding of the origin and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the Universe. At present, the laser interferometry is the most commonly use technology to detect GWs by measuring the phase change between two beams of coherent light. The observation frequency band of GWs is inversely proportional to the arm length of the interferometer. There are many limitations in the construction of interferometers, which makes it difficult for ground-based GWs measurement to cover the GWs in the frequency band below 1 Hz. While the space-based GWs observation is capable of longer arm length of the interferometer, the detection of GWs in space is expected to cover a greater number and variety of GWs sources. Orbital dynamics and control for space-based GWs observatories are the keys to realizing the detection of GWs in space. In a research paper recently published in Space: Science & Technology, Dong Qiao etc. from School of Aerospace Engineering, Beijing Institute of Technology, summarize and analyze the research progress in the orbital mechanics of the space-based GWs observatory.

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