Hughes Electronics Corporation

Cesar A Ocampo

Jeremiah O Salvatore

A method and apparatus is provided for calculating an estimate of thrust vectors and burn times for an optimal two-burn orbit transfer from an inclined, eccentric initial orbit to a geostationary final orbit. A non-linear root finding algorithm is used to calculate the thrust vectors and burn times for the optimal two-burn orbit transfer. Thrust vectors and burn times are then computed for an optimal multi-segment orbit transfer from the initial orbit to the final orbit.

Method of simultaneously reducing inclination and eccentricity for geostationary orbit transfer

A method is provided for using at least two lunar flyby maneuvers to transfer a satellite from a quasi-geosynchronous transfer orbit having a high inclination to a final geosynchronous orbit having a low inclination. The invention may be used to take the inclination of a final geosynchronous orbit of a satellite to zero, through the use of a first leading-edge lunar flyby and subsequent successive leading or trailing edge lunar flybys resulting in a geostationary orbit.

Free return lunar flyby transfer method for geosynchronous satellites

A method is provided for using a lunar flyby maneuver to transfer a satellite from a quasi-geosynchronous transfer orbit having a high inclination to a final geosynchronous orbit having a low inclination. The invention may be used to take the inclination of a final geosynchronous orbit of a satellite to zero, resulting in a geostationary orbit, provided that the satellite is launched in March or September.

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El Segundo, CA, United States of America

Cesar A Ocampo