Chaotic Dynamics in the Three-body Problem: with Applications to Space
Mission Design

Abstract

We present a numerical method to compute and classify homoclinic / heteroclinic connections in the restricted three-body problem. We provide a computer assisted proof for the existence of chaotic dynamics and of trajectories with prescribed itineraries. The underlying transport mechanisms can be used to design efficient space missions across a wide portion of the Solar System. We also describe a model for mass transfers in binary star systems. This is joint work with Elisabet Canalias and Josep Masdemont (Universitat Politecnica de Catalunya, Spain).