Övergångsbana

Övergångsbana, also known as a transfer orbit or transition orbit, is a type of orbital trajectory used in spaceflight to transfer a spacecraft from one orbit to another. This maneuver is commonly employed in missions to reach higher orbits, such as geostationary orbit, or to change the inclination of an orbit. The process involves two main phases: the first phase, where the spacecraft is accelerated to a higher velocity, and the second phase, where it is decelerated to match the target orbit's velocity.

The most common type of övergångsbana is the Hohmann transfer orbit, named after Walter Hohmann, who first described it in 1925. This elliptical orbit requires the least amount of propellant to transfer between two circular orbits of different radii. The spacecraft first accelerates to escape the initial orbit, then coasts along the elliptical path, and finally decelerates to enter the target orbit.

Other types of övergångsbana include bi-elliptic transfer orbits, which use two elliptical orbits to reduce the total velocity change, and low-thrust transfers, which utilize continuous low thrust over a longer period. These methods are often used for missions to distant planets or for spacecraft with limited propulsion capabilities.

Övergångsbana is a crucial concept in spaceflight, enabling missions to reach various orbits and destinations with efficient use of propellant and energy. Understanding and optimizing transfer orbits is essential for the planning and execution of successful space missions.