Swing-By Combined with Impulsive Maneuvers in the Sun-Jupiter System

摘要

This paper makes a study of the effects of a Swing-By combined with an impulsive maneuver in the orbit of a spacecraft passing by Jupiter in the Sun-Jupiter system. The Swing-By is a maneuver where the spacecraft approaches a celestial body to gain or lose energy from its gravity. This combined maneuver causes a change in the orbit of the spacecraft. The goal is to calculate the maximum variation of the energy obtained from this combined maneuver. This type of maneuver is important, because it generates a significant fuel economy in space missions. The studies were done with the periapse of the orbit of the spacecraft around Jupiter in different points and with the impulse applied in different directions. The results show that, in general, the application of the impulse in directions that are not tangential to the orbit is more efficient.