Abstract Gravity assist is a proven technique in interplanetary exploration, as exemplified by the missions Voyager, Galileo, and Cassini. In the present paper, based in this well-known technique, an algorithm is developed to optimize missions to the outer planets. Then, this algorithm is applied to a mission to Neptune for the mid-term (2008–2020). The following schemes are analyzed: Earth—Jupiter—Neptune, Earth—Venus—Earth—Jupiter—Neptune, Earth—Venus—Earth—Jupiter—Saturn—Neptune. Transfer trajectories that provide a good compromise between the delta-V and the time of flight to Neptune are presented. In particular, the effects of the pericenter height for the gravity assist with Jupiter are studied in detail, since the final results have a strong dependence on this variable.
Analysis of trajectories to neptune using gravity assists
The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences ; 54 , 3 ; 583-593
2006-12-01
11 pages
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Analysis of Trajectories to Neptune Using Gravity Assists
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