Researchers Propose Slightly More Fuel-Efficient Lunar Routes via Earth-Moon L1

Scientists have identified more fuel-efficient trajectories to the lunar surface that pass through Lagrange Point L1 by applying the theory of functional connections to 30 million distinct trajectories, according to Dr Almeida Júnior and his colleagues.

8 metres per second compared with previously identified most efficient paths. Lagrange Points are locations in space where the gravitational forces from Earth, the moon and the sun balance, allowing spacecraft to remain stationary without burning additional fuel.

Previous wisdom suggested spacecraft should enter L1 natural orbital paths from points nearest to Earth. The new research challenged that assumption. Spacecraft could remain in the L1 orbital position in 13-day intervals.

During those 13-day L1 intervals, tourists could be exchanged via connections to Earth or the moon, Dr Almeida Júnior stated. The route also keeps spacecraft permanently visible from Earth unlike trajectories that pass behind the moon. Dr de Oliveira noted that the Artemis 2 mission lost communication with Earth for a while because it was directly behind the moon.

The new path avoids that problem entirely. 8 billion. The researchers' simulations accounted only for the gravitational forces of Earth and the moon.

The simulations omitted the sun's influence entirely. Incorporating solar gravity could yield even more efficient orbital paths, though this would constrain when missions could launch. Dr Almeida Júnior said it would be necessary to run the simulation for a specific position of the Sun.

The practical fuel savings would vary considerably based on spacecraft size, propellant type, engine efficiency and cargo weight. Larger vessels stand to benefit most from the fuel savings. Heavier craft achieve proportionally greater reductions in fuel volume.

A fully laden SpaceX Starship carries up to 100 tonnes. A fully laden SpaceX Starship could free substantial propellant capacity through minor route adjustments, the researchers stated.