Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design (JPL Deep-Space Communications and Navigation Series)

Based on years of research conducted at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Low-Energy Lunar Trajectory Design provides high-level information to mission managers and detailed information to mission designers about low-energy transfers between Earth and the moon. The book answers high-level questions about the availability and performance of such transfers in any given month and year. Low-energy lunar transfers are compared with various other types of transfers, and placed within the context of historical missions.

Using this book, designers may reconstruct any transfer described therein, as well as design similar transfers with particular design parameters.

An Appendix, “Locating the Lagrange Points,” and a useful list of terms and constants completes this technical reference.

• Surveys thousands of possible trajectories that may be used to transfer spacecraft between Earth and the moon, including transfers to lunar libration orbits, low lunar orbits, and the lunar surface
• Provides information about the methods, models, and tools used to design low-energy lunar transfers
• Includes discussion about the variations of these transfers from one month to the next, and the important operational aspects of implementing a low-energy lunar transfer
• Additional discussions address navigation, station-keeping, and spacecraft systems issues

Jeffrey S. Parker, Ph.D., was a member of the technical staff at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) from 2008 to 2012. Currently Dr. Parker is an Assistant Professor of Astrodynamics at CU-Boulder. His research interests are focused on astrodynamics, space exploration, and autonomous spacecraft operations.

Rodney L. Anderson , Ph.D., is a member of the JPL technical staff, where he is involved in mission design and navigation and develops new methods for trajectory design. His research interests are focused on the application of dynamical systems theory to astrodynamics and mission design.