How to Change the Inclination of a Libration-Point Satellite?
Marian Gidea
Department of Mathematics
Northeastern Illinois University
We consider the spatial circular restricted three-body problem. We parametrize the center manifold near one of the libration points by action-angle coordinates. We use the method of correctly aligned windows to show numerically the existence of orbits that exhibit a substantial change in their action coordinate. As an application, one can design fuel-efficient maneuvers that change a nearly-horizontal orbit of a spacecraft parked near a libration point into a nearly-vertical orbit.