6 Aug 2024 | Brian Baker-McEvilly, Surabhi Bhadauria, David Canales, Carolin Frueh
This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent and anticipated Earth-Moon missions and ongoing space domain awareness (SDA) initiatives in the Cislunar region. The Cislunar region, influenced by the gravitational effects of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, is crucial for expanding human presence in space over the next decade. The paper introduces the dynamics and periodic trajectories in the Cislunar realm, reviews modern Cislunar programs and smaller missions, and identifies key regions of interest such as the South Pole and the Near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO). It also discusses the current state and limitations of SDA in the region, using the Artemis I trajectory as a case study. The review highlights the importance of SDA for mission safety and efficiency, particularly in key regions of interest. The paper emphasizes the need for improved SDA capabilities to support the increasing traffic in Cislunar space, which is driven by large-scale lunar programs and commercial activities. The review concludes with an analysis of the challenges faced by Cislunar missions, including landing difficulties and sustainability issues, and the potential hazards posed by space debris.This paper provides a comprehensive review of recent and anticipated Earth-Moon missions and ongoing space domain awareness (SDA) initiatives in the Cislunar region. The Cislunar region, influenced by the gravitational effects of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, is crucial for expanding human presence in space over the next decade. The paper introduces the dynamics and periodic trajectories in the Cislunar realm, reviews modern Cislunar programs and smaller missions, and identifies key regions of interest such as the South Pole and the Near-rectilinear halo orbit (NRHO). It also discusses the current state and limitations of SDA in the region, using the Artemis I trajectory as a case study. The review highlights the importance of SDA for mission safety and efficiency, particularly in key regions of interest. The paper emphasizes the need for improved SDA capabilities to support the increasing traffic in Cislunar space, which is driven by large-scale lunar programs and commercial activities. The review concludes with an analysis of the challenges faced by Cislunar missions, including landing difficulties and sustainability issues, and the potential hazards posed by space debris.