Spiral Mode

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A motion pattern where invariant manifolds spiral around a periodic orbit while departing or arriving. When the state transition matrix of a periodic orbit possesses complex eigenvalues with magnitudes greater than one, unstable manifolds depart along spiral paths rather than straight asymptotic directions. Certain members of the P2HO₁ (butterfly orbit family) exhibit unstable manifolds with this spiral mode character.

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

  • Zimovan-Spreen et al. 2022
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong