Location of Lagrangian point (L2)

L2 is one of the so-called 'Lagrangian points'. Lagrangian points are locations in space where gravitational forces and the orbital motion of a body balance each other. Therefore, they can be used by spacecraft to 'hover'.

L2 is located 1.5 million km directly 'behind' the Earth as viewed from the Sun. Earth itself is 150 million km from the Sun. This means that the distance between Earth and L2 is 1% of the distance between Earth and the Sun.

Find out more about L2 and its importance for our space science missions