Invariant Manifold Tube

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A tube-shaped surface in phase space formed by the complete set of stable or unstable manifolds associated with a periodic orbit (e.g., a halo orbit). Transit orbits reside inside the tube; nontransit orbits remain outside. The tube surface acts as a separatrix dividing the flow into distinct dynamical regions and serves as the topological basis for low-energy transfer design.

Application Value

This concept is fundamental to cislunar orbital mechanics and mission analysis, providing essential theoretical support for trajectory design and operational planning.

  • Retrograde Motion
  • Absolute Phase Bias
  • Relative Attitude Quaternion
  • Radial-Tangential-Normal Coordinate System, RTN

References

  • Howell and Kakoi, 2006, Acta Astronautica
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong