title: Optimal plane changes using third-body forces.
abstract: The fuel optimality of third-body driven plane changes (i.e., plane changes performed by using third-body forces) over one-impulse transfers is investigated numerically and analytically. In particular, the range of third-body driven plane changes that are realizable is shown to be restricted and one impulse must be used in the uncovered regions. However, when third-body driven plane changes are realizable, it is shown that they are always optimal above a certain critical value (about 40 degrees ) that depends on the initial condition. Contour plots of optimal DeltaV values to perform a desired plane changes are given.
authors.affiliation: Department of Aerospace Engineering, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2140, USA.
authors.forename: B F
authors.initials: BF
authors.lastname: Villac
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Scheeres