Astrodynamics/In-Plane Orbit Changes

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Introduction[edit | edit source]

Spacecraft Orientation[edit | edit source]

Spacecraft orientation

To change your orbit in space, you must first determine what direction your spacecraft is pointing. The "forward direction," or the direction in which you are moving, is usually labeled "Prograde." The opposite direction is usually labeled "Retrograde."

Hohmann transfer[edit | edit source]

A Hohmann transfer is a transfer between two coplanar orbits with two burns. In a two-body system, it is almost always the most efficient transfer between two circular orbits in terms of ΔV.


Orbital transfers can be "Near Hohmann," meaning that they are still efficient, but not the most efficient. An example of a near Hohmann transfer orbit would be the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter transfer orbit.


Spiral transfer[edit | edit source]

Low thrust spiral transfers are used when a low thrust engine such as an ion thruster or a solar sail is available. Such thrusters continuously add ΔV and require more total ΔV than Hohmann transfers.

Orbit Plane changes[edit | edit source]

Orbital plane changes are conducted at a point between the current and desired orbital planes called a node, which is where the current orbit intersects the line of intersection of the two planes, or the "Line of Nodes." There are two nodes at which this can take place, which can be either ascending or descending, depending on the direction from which they are approached. To change the plane on a descending node, you orient your spacecraft properly so that the thrust is propelling you in a direction referred to as "Orbit Normal." Your orbital plane will then start to align itself with the desired plane. To correct the plane at an ascending node, simply orient your spacecraft in the opposite direction, or "Orbit Anti-normal."

Orbit Synchronization[edit | edit source]

For a spacecraft to dock with a space station, it must first synchronize its orbit with the station, or, in other words, "Hone in" on the station. This is done by executing prograde or retrograde burns to change the orbital period of the spacecraft, so that it begins to "catch up" to the station. When the station is within the desired range, another burn is executed to zero out the spacecraft's velocity relative to the station. After the relative velocity has been reduced to near zero, docking maneuvers are conducted.

Non-Optimal Changes for ΔV[edit | edit source]

Further reading[edit | edit source]