Velocity requirements for the earth return phase of planetary missions
Reentry velocity requirements for return-to-earth phase of planetary missions - reentry physics
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Reentry velocity requirements for return-to-earth phase of planetary missions - reentry physics
Trajectory requirements for lunar injection and earth reentry conditions are considered in the return-to-earth phase of lunar missions
Trajectories for return to earth phase of lunar missions
Manned lunar return mission planning, discussing the utilization of one space vehicle or two for the lunar orbit rendezvous and return phases
An extensive investigation has been made of the characteristics of so-called "free return" trajectories. For the purposes of the study., these trajectories are defined as having certain symmetric properties which afford flight to the vicinity of the moon and return to earth without need for propulsion after the initial boost phase. The restricted three-body model for the earth-moon-probe system is used throughout. Two kinds of free return trajectories are shown to -exist and are studied. Of particular interest is the fact that for one kind of free return path, the largest inclination which can be achieved between the flight plane at periselenum and the plane of the moon's orbit about earth is about 10. 8 degrees while for the other kind of path the largest possible inclination is dependent on ·the radius at periselenum. In this case the inclination is limited to about 14 degrees or less for periselenum radius of 1938 km, but may be as great as 90 degrees with periselenum radius of 21150 km. Trajectories are also demonstrated which pass in front of the moon. These exhibit inclination behavior very much like that given by trajectories which go behind the moon. The injection velocity for these trajectories also changes only slightly from the circumlunar trajectories (less than 2 m/s for periselenum radius of 1938 km). However, the position of injection is changed considerably and the flight time may be increased by as much as five times that for circumlunar flight.
Trajectory calculation, reentry conditions, landing site, and injection conditions for return-to-earth from lunar orbit
Manned lunar return launch and reentry vehicles, emphasizing spacecraft and system weight in relation to mission mode and propulsion
Midcourse guidance system for return from moon to geographically fixed landing site
Trajectory optimization for Apollo-type vehicle under entry conditions during lunar return
Return-to-earth trajectories from Mars with Venus swingby for 1971-1999
Definition of a practical return-to-earth abort capability was required for each phase of an Apollo mission. A description of the basic development of the complex Apollo abort plan is presented. The process by which the return-to-earth abort plan was developed and the constraining factors that must be included in any abort procedure are also discussed. Special emphasis is given to the description of crew warning and escape methods for each mission phase.
A periodic circumlunar orbit is presented that can be used by an interplanetary cruise ship for regular travel between Earth and the Moon. This Earth-Moon cycler orbit was revealed by introducing solar gravity and modest phasing maneuvers (average of 39 m/s per month) which yields close-Earth encounters every 7 or 10 days. Lunar encounters occur every 26 days and offer the chance for a smaller craft to depart the cycler and enter lunar orbit, or head for a Lagrange point (e.g., EM-L2 halo orbit), distant retrograde orbit (DRO), or interplanetary destination such as a near-Earth object (NEO) or Mars. Additionally, return-to-Earth abort options are available from many points along the cycling trajectory.