Dynamical Systems Analysis of Planetary Flybys and Approach: Planar Europa Orbiter

In this analysis, the relationship between a planar Europa Orbiter trajectory and the invariant manifolds of resonant periodic orbits is studied. An understanding of this trajectory with its large impulsive maneuvers should provide basic tools that can be extended to cases that approximate low thrust with many small maneuvers. This study therefore represents a step in understanding low-thrust trajectories. Unstable resonant orbits are computed along with their invariant manifolds in order to examine the resonance transitions that the planar Europa Orbiter trajectory travels through. The stable manifold of a Lyapunov orbit at the L 2 libration point is used to show why a 5:6 resonance is necessary at this energy for capture around Europa.