Lagrange Points

Lagrange points are locations of orbital equilibrium in open space, created by any two respectively large-mass bodies. The points are orbitally stable only for masses significantly less than either of the parent bodies. There are theoretically five lagrange points for any given pair of large-mass objects, though in practicality a number of these are rendered unstable by various common circumstances. Three of the lagrange points (L1, L2, L3) lie along a line drawn between the centers of mass of both bodies, while the other two (L4 and L5) are offset from this line at roughly 60° along the orbit in front of and behind the orbiting body.

The energy needed to maintain an orbit at a lagrange point is relatively minimal compared to other points in open space; as such, they are common locations of orbital infrastructure not intended to orbit a parent body on its own. Additionally the L4 and L5 points have a tendency to collect asteroids under certain circumstances, particularly for the larger masses of a solar system. These are known as lagrange fields, and are sought after like asteroid belts for their accumulation of easily accessed resources.

Stable lagrange points are often early targets for colonization, being points in space with potential for economic value as waypoints between planetary bodies. Lagrange points can give rise to their own societies acting as independent nations.

Warp Relays

The L1 and L2 points are a critical aspect of warp technology, being the only locations within a star system where a warp drive can safely enter or exit warp. The sloping hill spheres and spacetime eddies created by massive bodies in space are too unstable for warp drives to engage or disengage within; only the “humps” at the L1 and L2 points are stable enough to act as a gateway between regular space and subspace. This property is a result of the complicated interactions between large mass bodies, orbital dynamics, spacetime, and subspace. Spacetime at the other lagrange points (L3, L4, and L5) is not stable enough for warp drives to enter or exit subspace.