Optimal Plane Changes Using Third-Body Forces
The fuel optimality of third-body driven plane changes (i.e., plane changes performed by using third-body forces) over one-impulse transfers is investigated numerically and analytically. In particular, the range of third-body driven plane changes that are realizable is shown to be restricted and one impulse must be used in the uncovered regions. However, when third-body driven plane changes are realizable, it is shown that they are always optimal above a certain critical value (about 40) that depends on the initial condition. Contour plots of optimal ?V values to perform a desired plane changes are given.
plane change maneuvers third-body dynamics hill's problem