Third-Body-Driven vs. One-Impulse Plane Changes

Abstract

Third-body—driven plane changes, i.e., plane change maneuvers that use third-body forces to reduce the cost of the maneuver, are compared to one-impulse plane changes, the only classical approach still applicable in environments strongly perturbed by a third body. It is shown in particular that, although having inherent restrictions, the realizable range of third-body—driven plane changes covers a wide range of initial conditions and is closely related to the existence of ±180° plane changes. The question of the optimal method for performing a given plane change with given initial conditions and the maximal cost of such transfers are addressed semi-analytically to help in the design of such maneuvers in third-body—perturbed environments. It is found that third-body—driven plane changes are more fuel efficient than one-impulse maneuvers for plane changes values larger than ∼45° (exact value depending on the case considered). The examples of Mars and Callisto orbiters have been used to illustrate the theory.