• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.37 no.9
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• pp.843-854
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• 2009

For preparing Korean lunar missions, optimal Earth-Moon transfer trajectory is designed using continuous low thrust. Using both constant and variable low thrusting method, "End-to-End" mission analysis is made from beginning of the Earth departure to the final lunar arrival. Spacecraft's equations of motion is expressed using N-body dynamics including the gravitational effects due to the Earth, Moon, Sun and also with Earth's $J_2$ effects. Planets' exact locations are computed accurately with JPL's DE405 ephemeris. As a results, optimal thrust steering angle's characteristics are discovered which showed almost tangential direction burns at the near of central planets. Also, it is confirmed that variable low thrusting method is more efficient than constant thrusting method, and can save about 5% of fuel consumption. Presented algorithm and various results will give numerous insights into the future Korea's Lunar missions using low thrust engines. Also, it is expected to be used as a basis of more detailed mission analyzing tool.