Supercomputer Study Finds 97,000 Stable Orbits Between Earth and Moon

Feb 21, 2026 - 17:00
Supercomputer Study Finds 97,000 Stable Orbits Between Earth and Moon
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory simulated one million potential satellite orbits between Earth and the Moon to assess long-term stability. Fewer than 10% remained stable over six years, highlighting the challenges of operating in cislunar space. Yet the results identified roughly 97,000 viable orbits, offering valuable options for future missions. The massive computation, completed in days using parallel supercomputers, provides a new roadmap for navigating the increasingly strategic Earth–Moon environment.