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paramedic-tim t1_j2xtbbh wrote

How big are the Lagrange points? Like, are the solutions to the equations a small point in space, or are they a large area? How big is the space at the Lagrange points that are usable for satellites, etc?

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mfb- t1_j2z0ili wrote

The mathematical solutions are points, but the practically useful regions are huge. JWST and Gaia orbit the Earth/Sun L2 point at distances of a few hundred thousand kilometers. Compare this to the 1.5 million kilometers between Earth and L2.

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pepinyourstep29 t1_j2y6f5i wrote

They're specific points in space, but the stable orbits around them are very large areas thousands of miles wide. Spacecraft can park in that orbit and maintain their position in space with very little fuel.

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