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Tonya Sanders
Missouri University of Science & Technology
Goddard Space Flight Center
Supervisor: Dr. Jesse Leitner
Abstract
For a configuration of three bodies each having gravitational influence on one another, there are five positions where an object of negligible mass can theoretically remain stationary relative to the two larger bodies. At these locations, known as libration points, the x, y, and z positions and x, y, and z velocities are all zero, and the combined gravitational pull of the two larger masses provides precisely the centripetal force required to rotate with them. Given the unique dynamics in libration regions, the placement of spacecraft here offers several advantages in exploration and scientific study. In recent years, there have been statements suggesting the placement of resources at the Earth-Moon L1 point. This study, in particular, focuses on the use of staging orbits about L1 for space vehicles in transit between the Earth and Moon. In the future, dynamics at the Earth-Moon L1 point may be exploited in missions to the lunar surface and beyond.
NOTE: This work was sponsored by the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD)
Space Grant Internship Program.
Tonya Sanders is from Independence, Missouri, and is a senior in Aerospace Engineering at the Missouri University of Science and Technology. In 2007, she interned at Goddard Space Flight Center as a member of the Exploration Systems Mission Directorate. Working with developers of the General Mission Analysis Tool (GMAT), Tonya designed simulations for rendezvous operations and examined lunar transfers from the Earth-Moon L1 libration point.
Since 2005, Tonya has been a member of the Missouri S&T Miners in Space microgravity team – an organization participating in NASA’s Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunities Program (RGSFOP). Featured in publications such as the American Welding Society's Welding Journal, the team has built and refined an experiment to evaluate conventional welding techniques for use in space habitat repair and construction. After serving as Treasurer, Tonya was elected Vice President and Outreach Coordinator for the welding research team in 2006 and a propulsion research team in 2007. She has contributed to two successful campaigns, and has performed welding research on NASA’s C-9 reduced gravity aircraft as a student flyer in April 2007.
On the Missouri S&T satellite team, Tonya leads the Integration subsystem, overseeing clean room operations, assembly documentation, and aspects of design. Aiming to inspire younger generations to excel in math and science, Tonya frequently shares her research experiences from NASA and the design teams through educational outreach programs. Throughout her undergraduate career, she has spoken to hundreds of elementary and middle school students, her peers, and numerous engineering professionals.
Tonya earns her Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering in May 2008, and plans to pursue graduate study. She will hold an additional internship with NASA Dryden Space Flight Center during the summer of 2008.
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