Rescue Orbit

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A low-energy transfer path from a launch point on the Moon's surface to a libration point orbit (Halo or Lissajous) via the associated stable invariant manifold. Departure speed is near the lunar escape velocity (~2.4 km/s); direct transfers take about 10 days. The feasible departure regions on the Moon depend on manifold phase and expand with additional lunar loops: allowing at least 3 loops enables departure from any surface point.

Application Value

This concept plays an important role in cislunar space mission design and orbital dynamics analysis.

References

  • Low-Energy Transfers in the Earth–Moon System (Alessi et al., 2011)
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong