Work

Cislunar state and uncertainty propagation via the modified generalized equinoctial orbital elements

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The complex cislunar dynamical environment poses challenges for spacecraft navigation and Space Domain Awareness (SDA) operations, where the knowledge of current and future spacecraft states is essential. Conventional Gaussian-based approaches for SDA degrade under the nonlinearities that manifest in this regime. To accurately model the underlying dynamics and characterize uncertainty, this work explores the Modified Generalized Equinoctial Orbital Elements under high-fidelity propagation for cislunar applications. The Henze–Zirkler test for multivariate normality is leveraged to evaluate uncertainty evolution across a range of orbits, demonstrating improved preservation of Gaussian behavior in cislunar space.

Source: Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy

DOI: 10.1007/s10569-026-10333-y

Authors: Maaninee Gupta, Kyle J. DeMars

Institution: Purdue University West Lafayette

Language: English

Topic: Spacecraft Dynamics and Control

Subfield: Aerospace Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funder: Air Force Office of Scientific Research