Orbit Chain

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A low-energy transfer path in the CRTBP constructed by linking multiple simple periodic orbits using the invariant manifolds (stable and unstable) of unstable periodic orbits. An orbit chain describes a spacecraft's complete itinerary of sequential transfers between orbits along natural dynamical structures.

Application Value

The Orbit Chain plays a significant role in cislunar space mission design, analysis, and control. In orbital design, it can be leveraged for transfer trajectory optimization; in navigation and control, it improves mission execution precision and reliability; in system analysis, it facilitates deeper understanding of complex multi-body dynamical behavior, guiding mission planning and risk assessment.

  • Football Orbit
  • Prograde Polar Orbit
  • 偏心倾角矢量分离（Eccentricity/Inclination Vector Separation）
  • Earth-Moon L2 Halo Orbit

References

  • Parker et al. (2010) Chaining periodic three-body orbits in the Earth-Moon system
Improve this page
Last Updated:
Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong