Search for Low Delta V Earth-To-Moon Trajectories

Abstract

A search for low Δ V Earth-to-Moon trajectories has been initiated. Numerical integration of the equations of motion from the circular restricted three-body problem has resulted in the computation of a trajectory that saves more than 100 m/s over a Hohmann transfer, although the flight time is almost ten months. The approach used involves the computation of two trajectory 'legs': first, a trajectory from low Earth orbit to the L1 libration point of the Earth-Moon system, and second, a trajectory from L1 to an orbit about the Moon. Multiple orbits about Earth using lunar perturbations facilitates the transfer to L1. Similarly, the L1 to Moon leg uses the perturbation from the Earth to achieve a low orbit about the Moon. Small maneuvers are used in both legs to control the orbital period so the third body perturbations can be used advantageously.

Department(s)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Keywords and Phrases

Computational Methods; Equations of Motion; Integration; Lunar Missions; Maipulators; Spacecraft

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

0021-9142

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 1995 American Astronautical Society, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Jan 1995

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