Trajectory evolution in the multi-body problem with applications in the Saturnian system

Recent discoveries by the Cassini spacecraft have generated interest in future missions to further explore the moons of Saturn as well as other small bodies in the solar system. Incorporating multi-body dynamics into the preliminary design can aid the design process and potentially reduce the cost of maneuvers that are required to achieve certain objectives. The focus in this investigation is the development and application of additional design tools to facilitate preliminary trajectory design in a multi-body environment where the gravitational influence of both primaries is quite significant. Within the context of the circular restricted 3-body problem, then, the evolution of trajectories in the vicinity of the smaller primary (P2) that are strongly influenced by the distant larger primary (P1) is investigated. By parameterizing the orbits in terms of radius and periapse orientation relative to the P1–P2 line, the shortand long-term behaviors of the trajectories are predictable. Initial conditions that yield a trajectory with a particular set of desired characteristics are easily selected from periapsis Poincaré maps for both shortand long-term orbits. Analysis in the Sun–Saturn and Saturn–Titan systems serves as the basis for examples of mission design applications. & 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.