Application of Lagrangian Coherent Structures to the computation and understanding of ballistic capture trajectories

Ballistic capture is a transfer method which was first applied in 1990. It allows a spacecraft to approach a target celestial body and enter a (temporary) orbit around it without requiring manoeuvres in between. Ballistic capture is a promising concept, as it is expected to be safer, cheaper, and more flexible in terms of launch windows than a...