Author: 天疆说

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Low-Energy Transfer Orbits for Cislunar Space

Background

Low-energy transfer orbits are a key enabling technology for cislunar missions. Traditional Hohmann transfers require large velocity increments (Δv ~3.2 km/s), while leveraging invariant manifold structures in three-body dynamics can achieve significant fuel savings.

The core idea is to utilize dynamical properties near libration points: within the CRTBP framework, periodic/quasi-periodic orbits (such as Halo and Lissajous orbits) exist around libration points (especially L1 and L2), and their stable/unstable manifolds form "tubes" in phase space that naturally connect different regions.

Key Techniques

Invariant Manifolds and Transfer Orbit Design

  • Stable manifolds: Orbits along stable manifolds naturally approach the target orbit
  • Unstable manifolds: Orbits along unstable manifolds naturally depart from the current orbit
  • Manifold matching: By connecting the unstable manifold of the departure orbit with the stable manifold of the arrival orbit, low-energy transfers can be designed

Lissajous Relay Station Scheme

Using Lissajous orbits as relay stations enables more flexible orbit design:

  • Lissajous orbits are quasi-periodic with larger amplitude ranges than Halo orbits
  • The manifold network of Lissajous orbits covers broader transfer requirements
  • Applicable to L1/L2 space stations, communication relays, and other mission scenarios

Orbit Optimization Methods

Low-energy transfer design typically involves multi-objective optimization:

  • Minimize total velocity increment (Δv)
  • Minimize transfer time
  • Satisfy launch window constraints
  • Account for orbit maintenance requirements

Common methods include shooting methods, differential evolution algorithms, and multi-objective genetic algorithms.

References

[1] Qiao C, Yang L. Low-energy transfer orbit design and optimization for Earth-Moon L1 point[J]. Systems Engineering and Electronics, 2024, 46(10): 3519-3527.

[2] Yu H, Dai H, Zhang J, et al. Low-energy transfer orbit design and applications based on Lissajous relay stations[J]. Journal of Northwestern Polytechnical University, 2025, 43(2): 212-221.

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