Novel Hybrid Propulsion Earth-to-Moon Trajectories with Lunar Swingby and Low-Thrust Capture

摘要

In this paper Earth-to-Moon transfers, exploiting both chemical (high-thrust) and solar electric (low-thrust) propulsions, are investigated. The origin is a GTO and the target is a polar orbit around the Moon. A dedicated launch strategy and an initial impulsive maneuver are assumed, then WSB trajectories with initial lunar swingby and low-thrust capture are evaluated in terms of propellant mass consumption and flight time. This work has been conducted during an internship at the European Space Operations Centre, in the Mission Analysis Section, within the AstroNet framework.