Conceptual

Optimal LISA Constellation Orbit Design via Exact Kepler Equations

Formulating the LISA gravitational-wave detector's three-spacecraft orbit design as an exact nonlinear constrained optimization over just two Keplerian elements, eccentricity and inclination, using the exact nonlinear Kepler orbit equations rather than first- or second-order approximation models. Minimizes the time-varying deviation of inter-spacecraft distances from a designed equilateral-triangle length, yielding a solution better than the previously adopted approximate (DNKV/NKDV) baseline orbits.