A Free-Return Earth-Moon Cycler Orbit for an Interplanetary Cruise ShipA periodic circumlunar orbit is presented that can be used by an interplanetary cruise ship for regular travel between Earth and the Moon. This Earth-Moon cycler orbit was revealed by introducing solar gravity and modest phasing maneuvers (average of 39 m/s per month) which yields close-Earth encounters every 7 or 10 days. Lunar encounters occur every 26 days and offer the chance for a smaller craft to depart the cycler and enter lunar orbit, or head for a Lagrange point (e.g., EM-L2 halo orbit), distant retrograde orbit (DRO), or interplanetary destination such as a near-Earth object (NEO) or Mars. Additionally, return-to-Earth abort options are available from many points along the cycling trajectory.
Document ID
20150018049
Acquisition Source
Ames Research Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Genova, Anthony L. (NASA Ames Research Center Moffett Field, CA United States)
Aldrin, Buzz (Buzz Aldrin Enterprises, LLC Satellite Beach, FL, United States)