arXiv subjects

Jerome Daquin

Publications and source records attributed to Jerome Daquin.

15 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

Regularity and reentry basins of low Earth orbits in the $J_{2}$-solar radiation pressure problem

We investigate the long-term dynamical structure of low Earth orbits (LEOs) using the Smaller Alignment Index (SALI), a fast numerical indicator of chaos, within a closed-form averaged model that incorporates the effects of solar radiation pressure and Earth's oblateness. Our analysis reveals that the area-to-mass ratio is a key parameter governing the onset and extent of chaotic behavior in LEOs. We map the system's chaotic regions, study the behavior of reentry trajectories and characterize their temporal laws over a timescale constrained by the $25$-year mitigation guideline. Within this physically relevant timescale, we show that most of the reentry trajectories exhibit regular motion. Reentry basins, constructed according to different mitigation guidelines up to $25$ years, display fractal-like structures for less-stringent guidelines. The degree of this fractality is quantitatively assessed using the uncertainty exponent method. In most cases, for large area-to-mass ratios, reentry occurs on relatively short timescales (a few years) - short enough that no fractal behavior is observed in the basin boundaries. This numerical dynamical study offers insights into the development of dynamically informed deorbiting strategies.

nlin.CD↗

arXiv2025

Leveraging temporal features of the divergence quantifier of recurrence plot to detect chaos in conservative systems

The recurrence-based divergence quantifier ($DIV$), traditionally applied to dissipative systems, is shown here to be an effective finite-time chaos indicator for conservative dynamics. We benchmark its performances against the well-established fast Lyapunov indicator (FLI), focusing on the standard map, a canonical model of Hamiltonian chaos. Through extensive numerical simulations on moderately long orbits, we find strong agreement between $DIV$ and FLI, supporting the reported correlation between the divergence of recurrences and positive Lyapunov exponents. Additionally, our study sheds more light into asymptotic time properties of $DIV$ by revealing distinct power laws on regular and chaotic components, both in the original and reconstructed phase spaces. In particular, on a regular component, the space average of $DIV$ decays with the time $N$ as $1/N$, mirroring the decay rate of the maximal Lyapunov exponent. On chaotic components, the space average of $DIV$ decreases at a much slower rate, close to $1/\sqrt{N}$. This scaling insight opens new avenues for characterizing chaos from time series. Our numerical results thus demonstrate $DIV$ to be a computationally viable and theoretically rich tool for chaos detection in conservative systems.

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arXiv2025

Uncontrolled geostationary satellites: mapping periodic transitions to chaos with Lagrangian Descriptors

Uncontrolled geostationary satellites abandoned near an unstable equilibrium point of the equator experience irregular transitions between dynamical states (continuous circulation, long and short libration). They are caused by the interaction between the longitudinal dynamics, governed by the tesseral harmonics of the geopotential, and the orbital precession forced by Earth's oblateness and lunisolar perturbations. The transitions are extremely sensitive to small perturbations, making the long-term evolution unpredictable. Recently, a Monte Carlo analysis of trajectories starting in the immediate vicinity of the 165 degrees E unstable equilibrium point, revealed that the evolution to chaos is not gradual. It occurs via sudden episodes of disorder at specific points of the precession cycle, when the orbital inclination is minimal. Due to the high cost of the statistical analysis, the results were limited to a single initial longitude. This paper applies modified versions of the diameter Lagrangian descriptor to reduce the computational burden. This enables mapping the dynamical behavior over the complete range of longitudes where transitions between modes of motion are possible, considering both unstable equilibrium points (165 degrees E and 15 degrees W). It is found that the episodes of chaos remain linked to the orbital inclination cycle, but their timing depends on the initial spacecraft longitude. As the initial position moves farther away from the unstable point, the transitions take place at higher values of the orbital inclination. The longitudes where the transitions occur at maximum inclination correspond to the boundaries of the chaotic region.

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arXiv2023

Lagrangian descriptors and their applications to deterministic chaos

We present our recent contributions to the theory of Lagrangian descriptors for discriminating ordered and deterministic chaotic trajectories. The class of Lagrangian Descriptors we are dealing with is based on the Euclidean length of the orbit over a finite time window. The framework is free of tangent vector dynamics and is valid for both discrete and continuous dynamical systems. We review its last advancements and touch on how it illuminated recently Dvorak's quantities based on maximal extent of trajectories' observables, as traditionally computed in planetary dynamics.

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arXiv2022

Detection of separatrices and chaotic seas based on orbit amplitudes

The Maximum Eccentricity Method (MEM) is a standard tool for the analysis of planetary systems and their stability. The method amounts to estimating the maximal stretch of orbits over sampled domains of initial conditions. The present paper leverages on the MEM to introduce a sharp detector of separatrices and chaotic seas. After introducing the MEM analogue for nearly-integrable action-angle Hamiltonians, i.e., diameters, we use low-dimensional dynamical systems with multi-resonant modes and junctions, supporting chaotic motions, to recognise the drivers of the diameter metric. Once this is appreciated, we present a second-derivative based index measuring the regularity of this application. This quantity turns to be a sensitive and robust indicator to detect separatrices, resonant webs and chaotic seas. We discuss practical applications of this framework in the context of $N$-body simulations for the planetary case affected by mean-motion resonances, and demonstrate the ability of the index to distinguish minute structures of the phase space, otherwise undetected with the original MEM.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2022

A new analysis of the three--body problem

In the recent papers~[18],~[5], respectively, the existence of motions where the perihelions afford periodic oscillations about certain equilibria and the onset of a topological horseshoe have been proved. Such results have been obtained using, as neighbouring integrable system, the so--called two--centre (or {\it Euler}) problem and a suitable canonical setting proposed in~[16],~[17]. Here we review such results.

math.DS↗

arXiv2022

Global dynamics visualisation from Lagrangian Descriptors. Applications to discrete and continuous systems

This paper introduces a new global dynamics and chaos indicator based on the method of Lagrangian Descriptor apt for discriminating ordered and deterministic chaotic motions in multidimensional systems. The selected implementation of this method requires only the knowledge of orbits on finite time windows and is free of the computation of the tangent vector dynamics (i.e., variational equations are not needed). To demonstrate its ability in visualising different dynamical behaviors, in particular for highlighting chaotic regions, several stability maps of classical systems, obtained with different phase space methods, are reproduced. The benchmark examples are rooted in discrete and continuous nearly-integrable dynamical systems, with prominent features played by resonances. These include the Chirikov standard map, higher dimensional symplectic and volume preserving maps, fundamental models of resonances, and a 3 degrees-of-freedom nearly-integrable Hamiltonian system with a dense web of resonances. The indicator thus appears to be relevant for understanding phase space transport mediated by resonances in nearly-integrable system, as ubiquitous in celestial mechanics or astrodynamics.

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arXiv2021

A deep dive into the $2g+h$ resonance: separatrices, manifolds and phase space structure of navigation satellites

Despite extended past studies, several questions regarding the resonant structure of the medium-Earth orbit (MEO) region remain hitherto unanswered. This work describes in depth the effects of the $2g+h$ lunisolar resonance. In particular, (i) we compute the correct forms of the separatrices of the resonance in the inclination-eccentricity space for fixed semi-major axis. This allows to compute the change in the width of the $2g+h$ resonance as the altitude increases. (ii) We discuss the crucial role played by the value of the inclination of the Laplace plane, $i_{L}$. Since $i_L$ is comparable to the resonance's separatrix width, the parametrization of all resonance bifurcations has to be done in terms of the proper inclination $i_{p}$, instead of the mean one. (iii) The subset of circular orbits constitutes an invariant subspace embedded in the full phase space, the center manifold $\mathcal{C}$. Using $i_p$ as a label, we compute its range of values for which $\mathcal{C}$ becomes a normally hyperbolic invariant manifold (NHIM). The structure of invariant tori in $\mathcal{C}$ allows to explain the role of the initial phase $h$ noticed in several works. (iv) Through Fast Lyapunov Indicator (FLI) cartography, we portray the stable and unstable manifolds of the NHIM as the altitude increases. Manifold oscillations dominate in phase space between $a=24,000$ km and $a=30,000$ km as a result of the sweeping of the $2g+h$ resonance by the $h-Ω_{\rm{Moon}}$ and $2h-Ω_{\rm{Moon}}$ resonances. The noticeable effects of the latter are explained as a consequence of the relative inclination of the Moon's orbit with respect to the ecliptic. The role of the phases $(h,Ω_{\rm{Moon}})$ in the structures observed in the FLI maps is also clarified. Finally,(v) we discuss how the understanding of the manifold dynamics could inspire end-of-life disposal strategies.

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arXiv2021

Dynamical properties of the Molniya satellite constellation: long-term evolution of the semi-major axis

We describe the phase space structures related to the semi-major axis of Molniya-like satellites subject to tesseral and lunisolar resonances. In particular, the questions answered in this contribution are: (i) we study the indirect interplay of the critical inclination resonance on the semi-geosynchronous resonance using a hierarchy of more realistic dynamical systems, thus discussing the dynamics beyond the integrable approximation. By introducing ad hoc tractable models averaged over fast angles, (ii) we numerically demarcate the hyperbolic structures organising the long-term dynamics via Fast Lyapunov Indicators cartography. Based on the publicly available two-line elements space orbital data, (iii) we identify two satellites, namely Molniya 1-69 and Molniya 1-87, displaying fingerprints consistent with the dynamics associated to the hyperbolic set. Finally, (iv) the computations of their associated dynamical maps highlight that the spacecraft are trapped within the hyperbolic tangle. This research therefore reports evidence of actual artificial satellites in the near-Earth environment whose dynamics are ruled by manifolds and resonant mechanisms. The tools, formalism and methodologies we present are exportable to other region of space subject to similar commensurabilities as the geosynchronous region.

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arXiv2020

Dynamical properties of the Molniya satellite constellation: long-term evolution of orbital eccentricity

The aim of this work is to analyze the orbital evolution of the mean eccentricity given by the Two-Line Elements (TLE) set of the Molniya satellites constellation. The approach is bottom-up, aiming at a synergy between the observed dynamics and the mathematical modeling. Being the focus the long-term evolution of the eccentricity, the dynamical model adopted is a doubly-averaged formulation of the third-body perturbation due to Sun and Moon, coupled with the oblateness effect on the orientation of the satellite. The numerical evolution of the eccentricity, obtained by a two-degree-of-freedom model assuming different orders in the series expansion of the third-body effect, is compared against the mean evolution given by the TLE. The results show that, despite being highly elliptical orbits, the second order expansion catches extremely well the behavior. Also, the lunisolar effect turns out to be non-negligible for the behavior of the longitude of the ascending node and the argument of pericenter. The role of chaos in the timespan considered is also addressed. Finally, a frequency series analysis is proposed to show the main contributions that can be detected from the observational data.

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arXiv2019

Chaotic transport of navigation satellites

Navigation satellites are known from numerical studies to reside in a dynamically sensitive environment, which may be of profound importance for their long-term sustainability. We derive the fundamental Hamiltonian of GNSS dynamics and show analytically that near-circular trajectories lie in the neighborhood of a Normally Hyperbolic Invariant Manifold (NHIM), which is the primary source of hyperbolicity. Quasi-circular orbits escape through chaotic transport, regulated by the NHIM's stable and unstable manifolds, following a power-law escape time distribution $P(t) \sim t^{-α}$, with $α\sim 0.8 - 1.5$. Our study is highly relevant for the design of satellite disposal trajectories, using manifold dynamics.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2018

Drift and its mediation in terrestrial orbits

The slow deformation of terrestrial orbits in the medium range, subject to lunisolar resonances, is well approximated by a family of Hamiltonian flow with $2.5$ degree-of-freedom. The action variables of the system may experience chaotic variations and large drift that we may quantify. Using variational chaos indicators, we compute high-resolution portraits of the action space. Such refined meshes allow to reveal the existence of tori and structures filling chaotic regions. Our elaborate computations allow us to isolate precise initial conditions near specific zones of interest and study their asymptotic behaviour in time. Borrowing classical techniques of phase- space visualisation, we highlight how the drift is mediated by the complement of the numerically detected KAM tori.

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arXiv2016

From order to chaos in Earth satellite orbits

We consider Earth satellite orbits in the range of semi-major axes where the perturbing effects of Earth's oblateness and lunisolar gravity are of comparable order. This range covers the medium-Earth orbits (MEO) of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems and the geosynchronous orbits (GEO) of the communication satellites. We recall a secular and quadrupolar model, based on the Milankovitch vector formulation of perturbation theory, which governs the long-term orbital evolution subject to the predominant gravitational interactions. We study the global dynamics of this two-and-a-half degrees-of-freedom Hamiltonian system by means of the fast Lyapunov indicator (FLI), used in a statistical sense. Specifically, we characterize the degree of chaoticity of the action space using angle-averaged normalized FLI maps, thereby overcoming the angle dependencies of the conventional stability maps. Emphasis is placed upon the phase-space structures near secular resonances, which are of first importance to the space debris community. We confirm and quantify the transition from order to chaos in MEO, stemming from the critical inclinations, and find that highly inclined GEO orbits are particularly unstable. Despite their reputed normality, Earth satellite orbits can possess an extraordinarily rich spectrum of dynamical behaviors, and, from a mathematical perspective, have all the complications that make them very interesting candidates for testing the modern tools of chaos theory.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2015

Galileo disposal strategy: stability, chaos and predictability

Recent studies have shown that the medium-Earth orbit (MEO) region of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems is permeated by a devious network of lunisolar secular resonances, which can interact to produce chaotic and diffusive motions. The precarious state of the four navigation constellations, perched on the threshold of instability, makes it understandable why all past efforts to define stable graveyard orbits, especially in the case of Galileo, were bound to fail; the region is far too complex to allow of an adoption of the simple geosynchronous disposal strategy. We retrace one such recent attempt, funded by ESA's General Studies Programme in the frame of the GreenOPS initiative, that uses a systematic parametric approach and the straightforward maximum-eccentricity method to identify long-term stable regions, suitable for graveyards, as well as large-scale excursions in eccentricity, which can be used for post-mission deorbiting of constellation satellites. We then apply our new results on the stunningly rich dynamical structure of the MEO region toward the analysis of these disposal strategies for Galileo, and discuss the practical implications of resonances and chaos in this regime. We outline how the identification of the hyperbolic and elliptic fixed points of the resonances near Galileo can lead to explicit criteria for defining optimal disposal strategies.

astro-ph.EP↗

arXiv2015

The dynamical structure of the MEO region: long-term stability, chaos, and transport

It has long been suspected that the Global Navigation Satellite Systems exist in a background of complex resonances and chaotic motion; yet, the precise dynamical character of these phenomena remains elusive. Recent studies have shown that the occurrence and nature of the resonances driving these dynamics depend chiefly on the frequencies of nodal and apsidal precession and the rate of regression of the Moon's nodes. Woven throughout the inclination and eccentricity phase space is an exceedingly complicated web-like structure of lunisolar secular resonances, which become particularly dense near the inclinations of the navigation satellite orbits. A clear picture of the physical significance of these resonances is of considerable practical interest for the design of disposal strategies for the four constellations. Here we present analytical and semi-analytical models that accurately reflect the true nature of the resonant interactions, and trace the topological organization of the manifolds on which the chaotic motions take place. We present an atlas of FLI stability maps, showing the extent of the chaotic regions of the phase space, computed through a hierarchy of more realistic, and more complicated, models, and compare the chaotic zones in these charts with the analytical estimation of the width of the chaotic layers from the heuristic Chirikov resonance-overlap criterion. As the semi-major axis of the satellite is receding, we observe a transition from stable Nekhoroshev-like structures at three Earth radii, where regular orbits dominate, to a Chirikov regime where resonances overlap at five Earth radii. From a numerical estimation of the Lyapunov times, we find that many of the inclined, nearly circular orbits of the navigation satellites are strongly chaotic and that their dynamics are unpredictable on decadal timescales.

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