Trajectories that provide fuel-efficient transfers from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits (GTO) to the Moon are examined in this paper. These trajectories are becoming more important as relatively inexpensive launch options to GTO are now available by launching as a secondary payload. The main focus of this research is to explore possibilities for reaching lunar orbit via methods other than launching directly into the lunar orbit plane or waiting in a parking orbit for orbit perturbations to create favorable transfer conditions. Through the use of carefully chosen bi-elliptic type transfers or transfer orbits with optimally placed plane changes, this research shows that relatively efficient transfers to the Moon can be obtained from GTO.
Optimal Trajectories for Secondary Payloads from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits to the Moon
J of Astronaut Sci
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences ; 50 , 1 ; 1-15
2002-03-01
15 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
Optimal Trajectories for Secondary Payloads from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits to the Moon
Online Contents | 2002
|Optimal Trajectories for Secondary Payloads from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbits to the Moon
Online Contents | 2002
|British Library Conference Proceedings | 2000
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