Bi-elliptic Transfer
Bi-elliptic transfer is a space trajectory that uses two elliptical orbits to transfer a spacecraft from one circular orbit to another with less propellant consumption compared to a Hohmann transfer. The transfer consists of three main phases: the first elliptical orbit insertion, the transfer ellipse insertion, and the second elliptical orbit insertion. The first and second elliptical orbits have the same apogee and perigee altitudes, while the transfer ellipse has a higher apogee altitude and a lower perigee altitude. The spacecraft is first injected into the first elliptical orbit, then transferred to the transfer ellipse using a delta-v maneuver, and finally inserted into the second elliptical orbit using another delta-v maneuver. Bi-elliptic transfer is advantageous for missions that require a large change in velocity, such as interplanetary missions or satellite transfers to higher orbits, as it reduces the propellant consumption and the overall mission cost.
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