Flyby anomaly trajectories

Earth than its average distance on the exit.In summary, spacecraft on certain flyby trajectories around the Earth have been found to gain an unexplained amount of energy. This anomaly is highlighted by the most asymmetric flybys, which result in the greatest increase in velocity. The asymmetry refers to the spacecraft's approach and exit occurring at different latitudes. It is unclear how this occurs gravitationally. The main question is whether the spacecraft is further from the Earth on average when it is being positively accelerated towards the perigee, and closer when being decelerated after passing the perigee. This remains an open question that requires further research. A paper suggests that special
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Zman
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It has been found that spacecraft on certain flyby trajectories around the Earth gain an amount of energy that is unaccounted for.

The asymmetric trajectories highlight this anomaly as described here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flyby_anomaly" [Broken].

I read that the most asymmetric flyby’s produce the greatest ‘unexpected increase’ in velocity.
The asymmetry refers to the fact that the spacecraft might approach at one latitude and leave by another. (I can't actually understand how this asymmetry occurs. Doesn't the Earth appear gravitationally as a point source?)

Anyway my main question is;

Does this asymmetry equate to the spacecraft ’s approach being on average further away from the Earth than its average distance from the Earth on the exit?

In other words: Is the spacecraft further from the Earth on average when the earth’s gravity is accelerating it positively just before it reaches the perigee?
And following on: Is the spacecraft closer to the Earth on average when the earth’s gravity is decelerating it after passing the perigee?
 
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1. What is the Flyby Anomaly?

The Flyby Anomaly is a mysterious phenomenon observed in spacecraft missions that involves an unexplained deviation in the expected trajectory of a spacecraft during a close flyby of a planetary body.

2. How often does the Flyby Anomaly occur?

The Flyby Anomaly has been observed in multiple spacecraft missions, with the most well-known cases being the Galileo and Rosetta missions. However, it is difficult to determine the exact frequency of its occurrence as it may go unnoticed or unreported in some missions.

3. What causes the Flyby Anomaly?

The cause of the Flyby Anomaly is still unknown and remains a topic of scientific debate. Some proposed explanations include the influence of unknown physical forces, inaccuracies in our understanding of gravity, or unaccounted-for external influences such as gas leaks or solar wind.

4. How does the Flyby Anomaly affect spacecraft missions?

The Flyby Anomaly can affect spacecraft missions by causing deviations in the spacecraft's trajectory, which can impact the accuracy of its measurements and potentially alter its course. This can be problematic for missions that rely on precise calculations and maneuvers, such as planetary exploration missions.

5. Are there any efforts to further study the Flyby Anomaly?

Yes, scientists and researchers continue to study the Flyby Anomaly in an effort to better understand its cause and potential implications for spacecraft missions. This includes conducting further analyses of past missions and incorporating new technologies and techniques in future missions to better measure and investigate this phenomenon.

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