Expanded Families of Periodic Orbits for the Jupiter–Callisto System

Abstract

Periodic orbits are widely used in space missions and are fundamental for us to understand the complex dynamic system of circular restricted three-body problem. However, there are still many potential families of periodic orbits that have not been located and computed. This study aims to generate some new and less-known families of periodic orbits for the Jupiter–Callisto system to obtain an extended database. The numerical methods for the computation and continuation of periodic orbit families are provided. Five bifurcation diagrams are explored in depth, and 108 periodic orbit families are located. Of these, 59 families are continued to the entire families. Twenty asymmetrical families also come into view. New discoveries and the characteristics of several particular families are presented and discussed. Synodic resonant periodic orbits appearing under the perturbation of Ganymede are also identified. The expanded families of periodic orbits are expected to provide a reference for future Callisto exploration mission design.