Patent ID: 6116545
Filing Date: 2000-09-12
Classification: B64G

Abstract:
A method for transferring a satellite from an initial orbit about the earth, the initial orbit having a first inclination, to a final geosynchronous orbit about the earth, the final geosynchronous orbit having a second inclination substantially lower than the first inclination, by using a lunar gravitation-assist flyby maneuver, the method comprising the steps of:placing the satellite into the initial orbit about the earth, the initial orbit having an apogee substantially lower than lunar radius;placing the satellite into a translunar orbit, the translunar orbit having an apogee near lunar radius;placing the satellite into a lunar flyby maneuver near apogee of the translunar orbit, whereby the inclination of the orbit of the satellite with respect to the earth is significantly reduced;placing the satellite into an earth-return orbit, the earth-return orbit having a perigee near geostationary radius; andplacing the satellite into the final geosynchronous orbit about the earth.