Earth--Mars Transfers with Ballistic Capture

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel Earth-to-Mars transfer method utilizing ballistic capture, which reduces the required capture delta-v, offers moderate travel times, and provides launch flexibility, potentially benefiting Mars missions.

Contribution

The paper presents a new transfer technique that leverages ballistic capture to lower capture delta-v and increase mission flexibility compared to classical methods.

Findings

Significant reduction in capture delta-v compared to Hohmann transfer.

Transfer method allows for flexible launch periods.

Moderate flight times achieved with the new transfer approach.

Abstract

We construct a new type of transfer from the Earth to Mars, which ends in ballistic capture. This results in a substantial savings in capture $\Delta v$ from that of a classical Hohmann transfer under certain conditions. This is accomplished by first becoming captured at Mars, very distant from the planet, and then from there, following a ballistic capture transfer to a desired altitude within a ballistic capture set. This is achieved by manipulating the stable sets, or sets of initial conditions whose orbits satisfy a simple definition of stability. This transfer type may be of interest for Mars missions because of lower capture $\Delta v$, moderate flight time, and flexibility of launch period from the Earth.