Design of Flyby Trajectories with Powered Gravity and Aerogravity Assist Maneuvers

Abstract

In this paper, we investigate flyby trajectories combining powered gravity assist (PGA) with aerogravity assist (AGA) in the planar elliptic restricted three-body problem (PERTBP). The patched flyby trajectory is divided into three portions: the PGA, AGA and ballistic portions, successively. In the PGA portion, continuous thrusts are conducted to change the speed and drive the altitude of a vehicle below the atmosphere edge. A simple flight-path angle guidance algorithm for three stages is used to design the orbit in the AGA portion. Taking the Sun–Mars PERTBP system as an example, flyby trajectories around Mars combining PGA with AGA are constructed and discussed in detail. In addition, numerical results show that the elliptical effect of the model should not be ignored, and it is necessary to investigate patched flyby orbits in the PERTBP.