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Astronomy · L4 · Designing an interplanetary trajectory: patched conics and the gravity-assist option

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The decision chain from departure through heliocentric transfer to arrival, including when a gravity-assist flyby is used to close a delta-v shortfall.

by @openstemUpdated Astronomy
Depart Earth SOI:hyperbolic excess velocity v∞Heliocentric transfer orbit(patched-conic ellipse)Is the delta-v budgetwithin launch vehicle capability?Add a gravity-assist flyby(reshape trajectory, no propellant spent)Arrive at target SOIwith hyperbolic excess v∞Orbit-insertion burnor flyby science passNo — shortfallYes

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