Combined Chemical-Electric Propulsion Transfer
Author: Tianjiang Shuo
Website: https://cislunarspace.cn
Definition
An Earth-Moon transfer that uses a chemical propulsion impulse for trans-lunar injection followed by electric propulsion for lunar capture and orbit circularization. The chemical stage provides high thrust for rapid escape, while the electric stage exploits high specific impulse to reduce propellant consumption, cutting total trip time to roughly one-fifth of an all-electric-propulsion transfer.
Application Value
An Earth-Moon transfer that uses a chemical propulsion impulse for trans-lunar injection followed by electric propulsion for lunar capture and orbit circularization. The chemical stage provides high thrust for rapid escape, while the electric stage exploits high specific impulse to reduce propellant consumption, cutting total trip time to roughly one-fifth of an all-electric-propulsion transfer.
Related Concepts
- Time-Varying System
- Lipschitz Condition
- Variable-Time Targeting
- Return Corridor
References
- Kluever 1997 Optimal Earth-Moon Trajectories Using Combined Chemical-Electric Propulsion