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Launch Opportunity Analysis for Lunar Probe

Yang Weilian Zhou Wenyan (Chinese Academy of Space Technology, Beijing 100086)   

  • Online:2005-04-25

Abstract: To launch a lunar probe is actually a problem of rendezvous between the probe and the Moon. Since the positions of the Moon vary the lunar trajectories are different for different times of rendezvous. The relation of the right ascension and argument of perigee of the required orbit with the lunar position is derived within one lunar month. Based on this relationship the launch opportunity and launch window are discussed.