Chaotic Dynamics in a Low-Energy Transfer Strategy to the Equilateral Equilibrium Points in the Earth-Moon System

Author(s)

Salazar, F. J. T. ^[1] ; Macau, E. E. N. ^[2] ; Winter, O. C. ^[1]

Affiliation

^[1] Univ Estadual Paulista, Grp Dinam Orbital & Planetol, BR-12516410 Guaratingueta, SP - Brazil

^[2] Inst Nacl Pesquisas Espaciais, Lab Comp Aplicada, BR-12227010 Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF BIFURCATION AND CHAOS; v. 25, n. 5 MAY 2015.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

In the frame of the equilateral equilibrium points exploration, numerous future space missions will require maximization of payload mass, simultaneously achieving reasonable transfer times. To fulfill this request, low-energy non-Keplerian orbits could be used to reach L4 and L5 in the Earth-Moon system instead of high energetic transfers. Previous studies have shown that chaos in physical systems like the restricted three-body Earth-Moon-particle problem can be used to direct a chaotic trajectory to a target that has been previously considered. In this work, we propose to transfer a spacecraft from a circular Earth Orbit in the chaotic region to the equilateral equilibrium points L4 and L5 in the Earth-Moon system, exploiting the chaotic region that connects the Earth with the Moon and changing the trajectory of the spacecraft (relative to the Earth) by using a gravity assist maneuver with the Moon. Choosing a sequence of small perturbations, the time of flight is reduced and the spacecraft is guided to a proper trajectory so that it uses the Moon's gravitational force to finally arrive at a desired target. In this study, the desired target will be an orbit about the Lagrangian equilibrium points L4 or L5. This strategy is not only more efficient with respect to thrust requirement, but also its time transfer is comparable to other known transfer techniques based on time optimization. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 11/08171-3 - Orbital dynamics of minor bodies
• Grantee: Othon Cabo Winter
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 08/06066-5 - Controlling chaos and analysis of the dynamics of collective motion of satellite in formation flight
• Grantee: Francisco Javier Tipán Salazar
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 11/50151-0 - Dynamical phenomena in complex networks: fundamentals and applications
• Grantee: Elbert Einstein Nehrer Macau
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/03233-6 - Dynamics, control and reconfiguration of satellite formation flight around Lagrangian points
• Grantee: Francisco Javier Tipán Salazar
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral