A Review of Orbital Mechanics for Space-Based Gravitational Wave Observatories

The confirmation of gravitational waves in recent years has set off a new upsurge of exploring the extreme interactions critical to the origin and evolution of stars, galaxies, and the universe. The detection of gravitational waves in space is expected to cover the largest number and the greatest variety of gravitational wave sources, which is more compelling and valuable than the initial detection on the ground. Orbital dynamics and control are the keys to realizing the detection of gravitational waves in space. This paper reviews the orbital mechanics for space-based gravitational wave observatories. The principle and typical gravitational wave observation mission concepts are first introduced and classified summarized. Then, the orbital mechanics of the space-based gravitational wave observatories in different spatial locations are reviewed. On the basis of the characteristics of different observatories, 2 groups of methods related to the observatory configuration design and optimization are summarized: the constellation configuration design and optimization method similar to the geocentric configuration and libration point configuration, the formation design and optimization method similar to heliocentric configuration. The prospects of space-based gravitational wave observatories are finally put forward, which shall provide a reference for future research on space-based gravitational wave observatories.