Method for Transferring a Spacecraft from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit to Lunar Orbit
TBMG-28849
05/01/2018
- Content
This novel innovation from Ames Research Center allows spacecraft to share rides with larger spacecraft that are headed to Geosynchronous Earth Orbit (GEO). The secondary spacecraft is dropped off Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) at any time during the day or year, and will subsequently enter lunar orbit, with no constraint on the lunar orbit inclination. The secondary spacecraft can be relatively small, riding as a secondary payload with a larger primary spacecraft. The secondary spacecraft is intended to be controllable (i.e., maneuverable).
- Citation
- "Method for Transferring a Spacecraft from Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit to Lunar Orbit," Mobility Engineering, May 1, 2018.