Nominal transfer trajectory determination and optimization is the focus of an expanding investigation. Various projects range from development of new computational techniques to application of geometric nonlinear dynamical systems theory to these problems. A related problem of interest involves Earth orbiting vehicles that repeatedly pass close to the Moon. Such trajectories use lunar gravity to effect trajectory changes. Not only can such a swingby aid in minimizing mission fuel requirements, it also creates trajectory options that may otherwise be impossible.
Analysis is complicated, however, by the strong solar perturbation.
Multi-conic analysis has proven promising and work is continuing to develop tools to make optimal trajectory design efficient and accurate. Design strategies can also be extended to other multi-body systems. Such applications are under considerations as well. Howell, K. C., and Barden, B. T., Trajectory Design and Stationkeeping for Multiple Spacecraft in a Fixed Configuration near the Sun-Earth Point, 50th International Astronautical Federation Congress, Amsterdam, The Netherlands, Oct. 1999. Howell, K. C., Spacecraft Mission Design and an Application of Dynamical Systems, Univ. of Maryland, Joint Colloquium, Depts. of Mathematics and Physics, Sept. 1999.