Transfer orbit
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In orbital mechanics, a transfer orbit is an intermediate elliptical orbit that is used to move a spacecraft in an orbital maneuver from one circular, or largely circular, orbit to another.[1][2]
There are several types of transfer orbits, which vary in their energy efficiency and speed of transfer. These include:
- Hohmann transfer orbit, an elliptical orbit used to transfer a spacecraft between two circular orbits of different altitudes in the same plane[3]
- Bi-elliptic transfer, a slower method of transfer, but one that may be more efficient than a Hohmann transfer orbit[4]
- Geostationary transfer orbit or geosynchronous transfer orbit is usually also a Hohmann transfer orbit[5]
- Lunar transfer orbit is an orbit that touches Low Earth orbit and a lunar orbit.[6]
References
[edit]- ^ "Transfer Orbit". Science Direct. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
- ^ Cook, John (3 December 2024). "Efficiently transferring to a much higher orbit". John D. Cook Consulting.
- ^ "Hohman Transfer". orbital-machanics.space. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
- ^ "Bi-elliptic Hohmann transfer". orbital-mechanics.space. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
- ^ "Geostationary transfer orbit". The European Space Agency. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
- ^ "Mastering Lunar Transfer Orbit Calculations: A Comprehensive Guide". Diverse Daily. 18 May 2024. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
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