// ORBITAL LOGISTICS AND PROPULSION TERM
Transfer Orbit
A transfer orbit is a special path a spacecraft takes to move from one orbit to another, often used to reach a higher altitude or a different celestial body. It's like a temporary highway in space connecting two destinations.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
A transfer orbit, such as a Hohmann transfer orbit or bi-elliptic transfer, is a trajectory used by spacecraft to transition between two distinct orbits, typically involving propulsive maneuvers at specific points to change orbital energy and parameters.
BACKGROUND
An orbital propellant depot is a cache of propellant that is placed in orbit around Earth or another body to allow spacecraft or the transfer stage of the spacecraft to be fueled in space. It is one of the types of space resource depots that have been proposed for enabling infrastructure-based space exploration. Many depot concepts exist depending on the type of fuel to be supplied, location, or type of depot which may also include a propellant tanker that delivers a single load to a spacecraft at a specified orbital location and then departs. In-space fuel depots are not necessarily located near or at a space station.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- Hohmann transfer
- orbital transfer
- interplanetary trajectory
- transition orbit
USAGE NOTE
Engineers use transfer orbits to efficiently move satellites to their operational altitudes or to send probes to other planets.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Transfer Orbit.
Develops and operates advanced rockets and spacecraft capable of delivering payloads into various transfer orbits, including Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and interplanetary trajectories. Their Starlink satellites also utilize onboard propulsion for orbit raising after deployment into a lower parking orbit.
As a primary space agency, NASA designs and executes complex space missions that heavily rely on various transfer orbits (e.g., Hohmann transfers, ballistic lunar transfers) for interplanetary travel, lunar missions (Artemis), and deploying telescopes to Lagrange points (like JWST to L2).
A leading provider of launch services for the U.S. government and commercial customers, ULA utilizes its Atlas V, Delta IV Heavy, and upcoming Vulcan Centaur rockets to place critical payloads into precise transfer orbits, including GTO and escape trajectories.
A global leader in launch services, Arianespace uses its Ariane 5 and Vega rockets, and upcoming Ariane 6, to place satellites into a wide range of orbits, with a strong focus on Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) for telecommunications satellites.
Offers dedicated launch services with its Electron rocket and is developing the Neutron rocket. Rocket Lab also develops and operates the 'Kick Stage,' an in-space upper stage capable of precise orbital maneuvering and transferring payloads to desired orbits after initial deployment.
Developing the New Glenn heavy-lift orbital launch vehicle, which is designed to launch payloads into a variety of orbits, including Geosynchronous Transfer Orbit (GTO) and beyond, for commercial, civil, and national security customers. They are also developing lunar landers requiring transfer orbits.
A major global aerospace manufacturer and provider of satellite systems. Airbus designs and builds satellites that incorporate propulsion systems for executing complex on-orbit maneuvers, including orbit raising from transfer orbits to their final operational positions.
Specializes in electric propulsion systems and mission design software for small satellites. Their solutions enable efficient and precise orbital maneuvers, including transferring smallsats from initial deployment orbits to their operational orbits, maximizing payload lifetime and mission flexibility.