Process / pipelineCelestial Mechanics

Orbit Determination (Lambert's Problem)

Lambert's problem is a classical astrodynamics boundary-value problem that determines an orbit connecting two points in space given a transfer time. Formulated by Johann Heinrich Lambert in the 18th century, it is fundamental to trajectory design for interplanetary missions and spacecraft maneuvers. The solution provides the orbital elements and velocities needed to transition between two positions.

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Sources

  1. Lambert, J. H. (1761). Acta Helvetica. Physico-Mathematico-Anatomico-Botanico-Medica. link
  2. Vallado, D. A., Crawford, P., Hujsak, R., & Kelso, T. S. (2006). Revisiting Spacetrack Report #3. In AIAA/AAS Astrodynamics Specialist Conference. DOI: 10.2514/6.2006-6753
  3. Gooding, R. H. (1990). A procedure for the solution of Lambert's orbital boundary-value problem. Celestial Mechanics and Dynamical Astronomy, 48(2), 145-165. DOI: 10.1007/BF00050003

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ScholarGateOrbit Determination (Lambert's Problem) (Orbit Determination via Lambert's Problem). Retrieved 2026-06-04 from https://scholargate.app/en/applied-physics/orbit-determination