Lunar Instrument Carrier -- Trajectory Studies
Abstract
Results are presented of a study of free-flight earth-moon trajectories, which describe the two-dimensional ballistic motion of a vehicle from a standard initial altitude above the earth to impact on the surface of the moon. Trajectories originating at various positions relative to the initial position of the moon are studied to cover the complete spectrum, including retrograde launching. A design transit trajectory is chosen to examine the effect of small variations of initial parameters on the location of the lunar impact point for use in error studies. A hit band of transit trajectories that lead to impact on the moon is computed by varying initial conditions in the vicinity of the design point. Transit trajectories in the vicinity of the design point that miss the moon are studied for use in establishing artificial satellites of the moon.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 25, 1958
- Accession Number
- AD0260058
Entities
People
- H. A. Lieske
Organizations
- RAND Corporation