Planet’s Real Motion Taken into Consideration in Analysis of an Interplanetary Trajectory Using Resonant with the Planet’s Orbit Segments

The paper examines a complex scheme of interplanetary flight with a sequence of near-planet gravity assist maneuvers and resonant with its orbit heliocentric sections of the spacecraft trajectory. The trajectory between gravity assist maneuvers does not imply the propulsion system, but it does have its pulse correction. The study estimates how much relative velocity is spent on the correction when spacecraft is moving in a resonant orbit; comparatively analyzes the characteristics of the flight orbits obtained by taking into consideration the planet’s real motion and assuming the stability of its trajectory. The study reveals that for an interplanetary trajectory with four resonant orbits, which are heliocentric with the planet’s orbit, the total amount of the correcting pulse is less than 11 m / s. In this case, the trajectory characteristics, including the elements of heliocentric trajectories and the parameters of gravity assist maneuvers, change insignificantly. Findings of the research show that the considered schemes of interplanetary trajectories can be designed if the planet’s orbit stability is assumed.

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