Escape Trajectory and Connection to Interplanetary Voyage from the Sun-Earth L2 Point

Abstract

: Recently, various kinds of planetary explorations have become more feasible, taking the advantage of low thrust propulsion means such as ion engines that have come into practical use. The field of space activity has now been expanded even to the rim of the outer solar system. In this context, the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) has started investigating a Deep Space Port built at the L2 Lagrange point in the Sun-Earth system. For the purpose of making the deep space port practically useful, there is a need to establish a method to making spaceship depart and return from/to the port. This paper first discusses the escape maneuvers originating from the L2 point under the restricted three-body problem. Impulsive maneuvers from the L2 point are extensively studied here, and using the results, optimal low-thrust escape strategies are synthesized. The paper presents, as the major results, the optimal escape and acceleration maneuvers schemes using Electric Delta-V Earth Gravity Assist (EDVEGA) technique, in which the comprehensive delta-V evaluation method is presented. The results obtained are highly useful, ushering the future solar system exploration era.