AN ONBOARD TARGETING ALGORITHM FOR LUNAR MISSIONS

A targeting algorithm for use onboard a spacecraft has been developed. The algorithm determines the appropriate propulsive burn for trans-lunar injection to obtain desired orbital parameters upon arrival at the moon. The primary design objective was to minimize the computational requirements for the algorithm but also to ensure reasonable accuracy, so that the algorithm's errors did not necessitate large mid-course corrections. The algorithm will serve as a viable alternative to uploading ground-based targeting solutions and bypass the problems of delays and disruptions in communication, enabling the craft to conduct a trans-lunar injection burn autonomously.