Transfer orbit

In orbital mechanics, a transfer orbit is an intermediate elliptical orbit that is used to move a spacecraft in an orbital maneuver from one circular, or largely circular, orbit to another. ^{[1] [2]}

There are several types of transfer orbits, which vary in their energy efficiency and speed of transfer. These include:

• Hohmann transfer orbit, an elliptical orbit used to transfer a spacecraft between two circular orbits of different altitudes in the same plane ^[3]
• Bi-elliptic transfer, a slower method of transfer, but one that may be more efficient than a Hohmann transfer orbit ^[4]
• Geostationary transfer orbit or geosynchronous transfer orbit is usually also a Hohmann transfer orbit ^[5]
• Lunar transfer orbit is an orbit that touches Low Earth orbit and a lunar orbit. ^[6]

References

1. "Transfer Orbit". Science Direct. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
2. Cook, John (3 December 2024). "Efficiently transferring to a much higher orbit". John D. Cook Consulting.
3. "Hohman Transfer". orbital-machanics.space. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
4. "Bi-elliptic Hohmann transfer". orbital-mechanics.space. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
5. "Geostationary transfer orbit". The European Space Agency. Retrieved 17 November 2025.
6. "Mastering Lunar Transfer Orbit Calculations: A Comprehensive Guide". Diverse Daily. Retrieved 17 November 2025.