Trajectory design in the circular restricted three-body problem using artificial invariant manifolds

This paper generalizes the invariant manifolds of unstable libration point orbits through the application of continuous thrust. Considering Jacobi constant of the end of invariant manifolds, an artificial periodic orbit around a libration point realizes heteroclinic connections between itself and an unforced periodic orbit with same Jacobi constant of the end of invariant manifolds. Heteroclinic connections between libration point orbits are constructed by detecting intersections of states of manifolds on the Poincaré map. We reveal low-energy spacecraft can transfer to some periodic orbits with different Jacobi constant. In addition, this paper defines New Jacobi constant of low-thrust spacecraft. By utilizing new Jacobi constant, we illustrate zero-velocity curves of low-thrust spacecraft and reveal that there is a crack of zero-velocity curves and spacecraft can pass the crack.