Eur. Phys. J. Spec. Top.
https://doi.org/10.1140/epjs/s11734-025-02079-9

Editorial

Advances in planetary sciences and orbital dynamics

¹ Faculdade de Engenharia e Ciências de Guaratinguetá, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Guaratinguetá, São Paulo, Brazil
² Faculdade de Engenharia de São João da Boa Vista, São Paulo State University (UNESP), São João da Boa Vista, São Paulo, Brazil
³ Instituto de Geociências e Ciências Exatas, São Paulo State University (UNESP), Rio Claro, São Paulo, Brazil
⁴ Faculdade de Tecnologia, Rio de Janeiro State University (UERJ), Resende, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

^a This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

This special issue entitled “Advances in Planetary Sciences and Orbital Dynamics” presents a series of 23 contributions. The research compiled here covers topics ranging from fundamental dynamical astronomy to applied space engineering. On the applied side, contributions explore optimized solar sail trajectories, machine learning-based control systems, viable near-frozen orbits for lunar missions like Brazil’s Garatéa-L mission, and the use of space tethers for debris mitigation. Engineering studies also address fault detection in satellite constellations, precision attitude determination via star trackers, and methods for balancing mission cost and time. This issue also features analyses of stability and transport in various regimes, including the mapping of confined trajectories near the Sun–Earth–Moon Lagrangian points and the characterization of the spin-orbit phase space of artificial satellites. The dynamics of small bodies are also a key focus, with studies on equilibrium points around comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko, the unstable environment of asteroid (16) Psyche, and a review discussing the orbital evolution of minor bodies, including the stability of ring systems around Centaurs and Trans-Neptunian Objects. Some studies focus on exoplanets, such as the tidal evolution of the Earth-like world LP 791-18d, investigations into the resonant chain of the TOI-178 system, and the application of deep learning to detect non-transiting planets. Fundamental nonlinear dynamics are explored through the analysis of isochronous islands in standard maps and the convergence of orbits in dissipative systems.