Radial-Transverse-Normal Frame, RSW Frame

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A local orbital coordinate frame attached to the spacecraft with three axes: R (radial) along the position vector, S (transverse) perpendicular to R within the orbital plane pointing forward, and W (normal) along the angular momentum direction. In CRTBP low-thrust optimization, the RSW frame maps spherical control variables to Cartesian thrust components, with basis vectors computed in real time from the spacecraft's position and velocity relative to the central body. The frame degenerates when velocity is collinear with position, requiring a switch to Cartesian controls.

Application Value

The RSW坐标系 concept provides technical support and analytical methods for cislunar space research and lunar exploration missions.

  • Radial-Tangential-Normal Coordinate System, RTN

References

  • Aziz et al. 2019, JGCD
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong