Mars gravity capture dynamic model and error analysis

Mars orbit capture is a one and only opportunity for Mars probes and the key factor to determine whether the mission is successful. Starting with the constrained three-body problem, equations for calculating the Mars gravity sphere, influence sphere and Hill sphere are derived. Their property and applicability are discussed. Based on the definition and physical significance of influence sphere, an engineering definition of capture phase is proposed. The orbital dynamic model was built inside the influence sphere and the error sources that may affect the accuracy of capture orbit are presented. Finally, the influences on perigee and apogee of the capture orbit caused by the position and velocity navigation error, engine thrust error and timing errors are analyzed through Monte Carlo simulations. The limit exceed possibility caused by different error sources are also discussed and the dominating sources is pointed out. The result can be used as a reference for the orbit capture implementation of future Chinese Mars orbiters. ©, 2015, Chinese Journal of Theoretical and Applied. All right reserved.