3-Body Problem
Trajectory Design | Lagrange Points | Low Energy Transfers
The problem of describing the motion of multiple bodies under mutual gravitational influence has been of interest since the times of Newton. Modern theory and computers have allowed special insight into the special case of a mass-less object flying in the presence of 2 massive bodies moving in circular orbits. It is under this framework known as the Circular Restricted Three Body Problem that interesting phenomena such as Lagrange points, periodic orbits, and gravitational flow manifolds arise. Mission designers can exploit these natural phenomena to create innovative low cost trajectories.
