The Lagrange points for the Earth-moon system  (Source:
Exploration and potential use of EML-2 provide a platform for radio astronomy as well as solar and Earth observation

NASA is in the midst of developing a team that will explore an area in space called the Earth-moon libration point 2 (EML-2).

A memo released by NASA on February 3 spells out a plan for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, where EML-2 will be one of the exploration points. The memo was written by William Gerstenmaier, NASA's associate administrator for human exploration and operations.


There are five libration points, or Lagrangian points, which mark positions where the combined gravitational pull of two large masses provides the centripetal force needed to rotate with them. This combined gravitational pull of the two large masses balance each other out, and spacecraft is able to basically park in this stationary spot.

Exploration and potential use of EML-2, which is located near the lunar far side, could open up the use of telerobotic science on the far side of the moon and provide a platform for radio astronomy as well as solar and Earth observation. It could also enable assembly and servicing of satellites and telescopes. NASA sees the effort eventually creating international partnerships as well as new opportunities with commercial companies and academic institutions.

The memo plotted six strategic principles for exploration beyond low-Earth orbit, such as incorporating significant international participation that leverages current International Space Station partnerships; U.S. commercial business opportunities to further enhance the space station logistics market with a goal of reducing costs and allowing for private-sector innovation; multiuse or reusable in-space infrastructure that allows a capability to be developed and reused over time for a variety of exploration destinations; the application of technologies for near-term applications while focusing research and development of new technologies to reduce costs, improve safety and increase mission capture over the longer term; demonstrated affordability across the project life cycle, and Near-term mission opportunities with a well-defined cadence of compelling missions providing for an incremental buildup of capabilities to perform more complex missions over time.

If NASA were to use this human-tended EML-2 waypoint, it would be the farthest humans have traveled from Earth. To make this possible, NASA has recruited a study team to create near-term missions to EML-2. The study is to be completed by March 30, 2012.

In addition, Lockheed Martin and the Lunar University Network for Astrophysics Research (LUNAR) Center are collaborating to plan an Orion mission that would go into a halo orbit of EML-2 above the far side of the moon. According to the LUNAR Center, EML-2 travels would take astronauts 15 percent further from Earth than Apollo astronauts and keep them in deep space nearly three times longer.

"This is extremely exciting from both the exploration and science sides," said Jack Burns, director of the LUNAR Center. "This mission concept seems to be really taking off now because it is unique and offers the prospects of doing something significant outside of low-Earth orbit within this decade."

Sources:, MSNBC, The Christian Science Monitor

