Zero-Velocity Curve

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

An equipotential contour determined by the Jacobi constant in the CR3BP. It separates the accessible and forbidden regions for a spacecraft: when velocity is zero, motion is only permitted outside the ZVC. A larger Jacobi constant corresponds to a smaller accessible region.

Application Value

The zero-velocity curve delineates feasible motion regions, an important tool for analyzing libration point orbit stability and designing low-energy transfer orbits.

Related Concepts

• Nonlinear Programming
• Shape-Based Method
• Departure Excess Velocity

References

• 谭明虎 等 - 2014 - 基于大幅值Lyapunov轨道的地月转移轨道设计研究
• Belbruno 等 - 2010 - Weak stability boundary and invariant manifolds
• Topputo 2013