Making a Counter-Earth

In this question, it's pointed out that the L₃ Lagrange point, where a "true" Counter-Earth would lie, is in fact unstable, and over time any object there would drift into a different orbit.

Obviously this means that if we're going to put a habitable planet there, we need to give it some means of station-keeping, to adjust itself as it drifts away from the desired point; this is how the titular planet of the Gor series remains in its orbit.

My question is, how much energy would be required to keep a habitable world in Earth's L₃ point? Assume a world that's roughly 85% the mass of Earth, though an answer where any mass could be plugged in easily would be stellar. And let's not worry ourselves with the means just yet (let alone questions of efficiency in converting a power source into thrust), and instead just focus on the energy output required: How much energy do we need to expend to maintain our orbit?

posted over 8 years ago

Kromey‭

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