Global analysis of direct transfers from Lunar orbits to Sun-Earth libration point regimes

Abstract

In this paper we look forward to obtain a global picture of simple transfer opportunities from Lunar to Sun-Earth libration orbits, useful for a preliminary design of these mission scenarios. Considering the trajectory of the Chinese Change’2 spacecraft as a reference case, the main transfer families are characterized and classified. In a second step, the results are analyzed and extended to departures from more general families of orbits about the Moon. Finally, we also include a preliminary sensitivity analysis of the first transfer correction maneuver (TCM1) to cancel injection errors. The methodology is of general applicability to the transfer analysis involving libration point final orbits in other general multi-body restricted systems.