Long-Way and Short-Way Solutions

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

Two feasible solutions that Lambert's problem admits when no singularity exists. The short-way solution has a transfer central angle less than 180 degrees, with the orbit following the minor arc of the great circle connecting the two points; the long-way solution has a transfer angle greater than 180 degrees, with the orbit following the opposite side. The velocity directions of the two solutions are nearly opposite. In trans-lunar missions, the short-way solution corresponds to a direct transfer and is typically preferred; the long-way solution serves as an alternative when the spacecraft enters the trans-lunar trajectory independently from a low Earth orbit.

Application Value

[Translation needed for: 该概念在地月空间轨道设计、导航控制或任务分析中具有重要应用价值，理解其内涵有助于掌握相关领域的核心知...]

Related Concepts

• Heteroclinic Transfer
• Lunar Flyby
• Geosynchronous Orbit, GEO
• Deployment Trajectory

References

• 一种地月转移轨道中途修正的制导算法