Transfer Family
Author: Tianjiang Shuo
Website: https://cislunarspace.cn
Definition
A set of transfer trajectories sharing similar dynamical characteristics. For distant retrograde orbit design, transfer families are produced systematically via numerical continuation: starting from one transfer solution, the family is extended by varying the Jacobi constant, parking-orbit altitude, or insertion point. Each family corresponds to a distinct unstable Earth-return periodic orbit.
Application Value
The Transfer Family 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.
Related Concepts
- Football Orbit
- Orbit Chain
- Prograde Polar Orbit
- 偏心倾角矢量分离（Eccentricity/Inclination Vector Separation）
References
- Scott and Spencer, 2010, JGCD, DOI:10.2514/1.47791
- Ren 等 - 2020