Inclination Burn: An inclination burn
is done when an orbit is to be rotated around an axis
perpendicular to that of its rotation. As seen in the
picture, the burn is done by thrusting "upward" or
"downward" perpendicular to the motion of the satellite.
This "upward or downward" direction is called the Normal
or Anti-Normal direction and is always parallel to the
axis of rotation. This acceleration creates an angle
between the original and final orbits that grows for as
long as a thrust is applied. It is important to note that
momentary thrust at any moment in a circular orbit will
always result in zero position change exactly 180 degrees
from the thrust position.
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http://www.braeunig.us/space/orbmech.htm |
Radial Burn: A radial burn is an acceleration in a direction parallel to the radius at any point in the orbit. This shifts the orbit in or out, and forces the orbit to take a more exaggerated elliptical path. As with an inclination burn, a momentary burn in the Radial or Anti-Radial direction will result in the satellite passing through the same exact point 180 degrees away from the original burn point on the original burn path. Seen in the graphic, the red circular orbit (assuming anti-clockwise rotation) has been modified radially to create the green orbit. The red orbit will share two common points intersection points with the green orbit, and they will always be oriented 180 degrees apart with one intersection placed at the initial burn location. |
http://physics.stackexchange.com/questions/70357/change-of-orbit-with-radial-impulse |
Prograde Burn: Prograde and Retrograde burns are done parallel to the motion vector. These burns modify the orbit by bringing the opposite side outward or inward respectively. The image to the right shows a circular orbit in blue. The satellite has accelerated at point B to adjust the opposite side of the orbit. In this instance, the thrust was applied with the direction of motion, so the orbital Apoapsis, or 'highest point', is increased. Had the thrust been applied against the direction of motion, then the orbit would have been modified such that the Periapsis, or 'lowest point' was decreased. All thrusts applied parallel to the direction of motion will modify the opposite side of an orbit. |