A Dynamical Systems Analysis of Resonant Flybys: Ballistic Case

Abstract

In this analysis, resonant flybys were explored within the context of the circular restricted three-body problem using dynamical systems theory. The first step in this process involved the construction of a flyby trajectory continuously transiting between 3:4 and 5:6 resonances in the Jupiter-Europa circular restricted three-body problem. An examination of this trajectory revealed that it followed the invariant manifolds of resonant orbits during these transitions. It was discovered that these transitions occurred for specific energies where the invariant manifolds of the 3:4 and 5:6 resonant orbits were closely related. The potential of the information obtained from this analysis for use in mission design was demonstrated by developing resonance transition trajectories using resonant orbit homoclinic and heteroclinic connections.