STEREO Direct Trajectories to Heliocentric Orbit

Prepared by Peter Sharer

New - Oct. 5, 2005, 7 pm EDT

     The Power Point file below shows several trajectories that 
Peter Sharer computed some time ago showing how a heliocentric drift 
orbit can be achieved by applying a large delta-V at any one of the 
phasing orbits perigees.  All of the plots are solar-rotating 
ecliptic-plane views with a horizontal fixed Sun-Earth line, with
the Sun to the left.  For reference, the planned Ahead and Behind 
departure heliocentric trajectories are shown in cyan and magenta, 
respectively; the direct trajectories are other colors with the 
departure perigee labelled.  All of these direct trajectories seem 
to go ahead (leading); the Behind spacecraft is easier since it only 
needs one swingby to get into its orbit.  Or it could be ejected 
directly in a similar way if you wait a few months.

Peter Sharer's Direct Trajectories