DETERMINATION OF INTERPLANETARY TRANSFER ORBITS FOR SPECIFIED DATE OF DEPARTURE

Abstract

A method of solution is presented which enables one to determine arbitrary transfer orbits quickly and accurately using only a desk computer. Coplanar, as well as three-dimensional, surfaceto-surface trips were investigated, and account was taken of the eccentric shape of the planetary orbits. A number of transfer orbits from Earth to Mars were computed for two arbitrarily selected dates of departure. The numerical results are summarized in a series of curves which display the characteristic velocity expenditures for trips of various durations, as well as the orientation of the departure velocity vector.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1962
Accession Number
AD0276082

Entities

People

  • H. B. Schechter

Organizations

  • RAND Corporation

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Aphelions
  • Circular Orbits
  • Eccentricity
  • Equations
  • Escape Velocity
  • Geometry
  • Orbital Elements
  • Orbits
  • Perihelions
  • Shape
  • Three Dimensional
  • Trajectories
  • Transfer Orbits
  • Travel Time
  • Two Dimensional
  • United States

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Electromagnetic Wave Scattering and Antenna Radiation Engineering
  • Systems Analysis and Design

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris