Sphere of Influence, SOI

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A spherical region centered on a celestial body within which its gravitational influence dominates the motion of a spacecraft. In the Earth-Moon system, the Moon's SOI has a radius of ~66,000 km and serves as the boundary separating geocentric and selenocentric orbital dynamics. The patched conic method uses the SOI boundary to switch between different gravitational models.

Application Value

This concept has important application value in cislunar space research and mission design.

References

  • 荆武兴和刘玥 - 2014 - 椭圆三体问题下月球L2低能逃逸轨道设计
  • Vepa - 2024 - Space vehicle maneuvering, propulsion, dynamics and control
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong