Cycler
A cycler is a potential spacecraft on a closed transfer orbit that would pass close to two celestial bodies at regular intervals. Cyclers could be used for carrying heavy supplies, life support and radiation shielding.
Free return trajectory
[edit]A free-return trajectory is a symmetrical orbit past the Moon and Earth that was first analysed by Arthur Schwaniger[1]
Lunar cycler
[edit]A lunar cycler or Earth–Moon cycler is a cycler orbit, or spacecraft therein, which periodically passes close by the Earth and the Moon, using gravity assists and occasional propellant-powered corrections to maintain its trajectories between the two. If the fuel required to reach a particular cycler orbit from both the Earth and the Moon is modest, and the travel time between the two along the cycler is reasonable, then having a spacecraft in the cycler can provide an efficient and regular method for space transportation.[2]
Mars cycler
[edit]A Mars cycler or Earth–Mars cycler is a spacecraft trajectory that encounters the Earth and Mars on a regular basis, or a spacecraft on such a trajectory
Interstellar cycler
[edit]An interstellar cycler or Schroeder cycler, a theoretical spacecraft trajectory that encounters two or more stars on a regular basis, or a spacecraft on such a trajectory
References
[edit]- ^ Schwaninger, Arthur J. (1963). Trajectories in the Earth-Moon Space with Symmetrical Free Return Properties. Technical Note D-1833. Huntsville, Alabama: NASA / Marshall Space Flight Center.
- ^ Kenneth D. Mease; Benjamin F. Villac; Josep M. Mondelo; et al. (Jordi Casoliva Rodon) (June 2008). Economical Space Transportation Routes Between Earth, Moon, and Beyond (PDF) (Report). University of California. p. 2. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-09-08.
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