October 31, 2025, Friday, 03:00PM (GMT+03.00, Moscow), IKI, Room 200

Ekaterina Belyaeva

(RSC Energia)

Methodology for designing optimal trajectories to high lunar orbits and subsequent Earth return



Abstract:

This work addresses a fundamental challenge in lunar exploration: minimizing the delta-V required for Earth-to-lunar orbit transfers. The research is motivated by the Moon's strategic role as a staging post for deep space missions and the imperative to reduce mission costs.

This work aims to develop a trajectory for a spacecraft to reach a high lunar orbit – a proposed site for a future orbital station – and return to Earth. The novelty of the approach lies in leveraging gravitational-sphere effects to reduce the delta-V cost of both lunar orbit insertion and Earth-return maneuvers.

Furthermore, the study addresses key operational requirements:
• Increasing the frequency of launch windows to the lunar station's orbit.
• Providing a capability for crew Earth-return in the event of a propulsion system failure during lunar-orbit insertion braking.
• Proposing optimal control techniques for the transportation system to execute these missions


The presentation and video recording of the report are provided upon request for personal use only. The request for access can be sent to the organizing committee of the seminar by e-mail to mci@cosmos.ru. The materials provided on request have no publication status and are not intended for mass distribution.