AAS 99-107

Use of Lunar Gravity-Assists for Earth Orbit Plane Changes

M. Jah, J. Rustick, C. Potterveld, R. Madler

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Prescott, AZ

Abstract

For spacecraft whose mission design requires they undergo an orbital plane change maneuver. For a given family of final orbits, it may be more cost effective to use a Lunar Gravity-Assist (LGA) to achieve a large plane change. This paper examines these scenarios for Geostationary and retrograde final orbits, and provides the resulting Delta-V's for each case. Hohmann transfers with combined plane changes are used as a comparative baseline for evaluating the performance. Analysis covers the different transfer methods from each major world launch site.