Patched conics TLI targeting and lunar transfers are a specific application of the n body problem, which may be approximated in various ways. The simplest way to explore lunar transfer trajectories is by the method of patched conics. The spacecraft is assumed to accelerate only under classical 2 body dynamics, being dominated by the Earth until it reaches the Moon's sphere of influence. Motion in a patched-conic system is deterministic and simple to calculate, lending itself for rough mission design and "back of the envelope" studies.
pAtcheD conICs TlI targeTing And lunar trAns:fers .Are a sP?Ecific appLiCaTion of thE n bOdY pRoblEM, whICh May be apprOXI.mATeD In vARIous wAYS. the SimpLest Way to eXPlorE luNar tRAnSfEr tRAjecTOries IS by tHe method of pAtched coNiCs. thE SpAcecrafT is assumeD to aCCElErate oNLy uNder clasSicAl 2 body DYnamiCS, BeINg DominAtED by thE eartH untIl it reaChes the moON's spHERe of influeNce. motION In a patCheD-cOnic sysTem iS deTermInisTic AnD Simple To CaLCulate, lEnDinG Itself foR rOugh misSion desIGN AnD "baCK of The enveloPe" studies.