Satellite aided capture

Abstract

A two body, patched conic analysis is presented for a planetary capture mode in which a gravity assist by an existing natural satellite of the planet aids in the capture. An analytical condition sufficient for capture is developed and applied for the following planet/satellite systems: Earth/Moon, Jupiter/Ganymede, Jupiter/Callisto, Saturn/Titan and Neptune/Triton. Co-planar, circular planetary orbits are assumed. Three sources of bodies to be captured are considered: spacecraft launched from Earth, bodies entering the solar system from interstellar space, and bodies already in orbit around the Sun. Results show that the Neptune/Triton system has the most capability for satellite aided capture of those studied. It can easily capture bodies entering the Solar System from interstellar space. Its ability to capture spacecraft launched from Earth is marginal and can only be decided with better definition of physical properties. None of the other systems can capture bodies from these two sources, but all can capture bodies already in orbit around the Sun under appropriate conditions.