Using Lunar Gravity Assist for Space Flight to Near - Earth Asteroid

In frame of the asteroid hazard mitigation problem, a space flight to near-Earth asteroid (NEA) is analyzed using the lunar gravity assist. The goal of the flight is the kinetic-impact effect of the spacecraft (S/C) on the NEA to change the NEA's orbit, deflect the NEA from the Earth and prevent their collision. Approximate and exact algorithms are developed to determine the trajectory of the spacecraft to the NEA via the Moon's vicinity. A numerical analysis is performed for the flight to the asteroid Toutatis. It is shown that the using of the lunar gravity assist allows to increase the mass of S/C and efficiency of the spacecraft's effect on the NEA.