Scientists Map Fuel-Efficient Lunar Route

Researchers at the University of Coimbra in Portugal mapped a new trajectory to the moon that reduces fuel consumption by at least 58.80 meters per second. The team tested roughly 30 million possible routes using a mathematical framework called the theory of functional connections. This method allowed them to build key physical constraints directly into the calculations, simplifying the search for optimal paths.

The most efficient route isn’t direct. Instead, a spacecraft swings closer to the moon and uses gravity around the L1 Lagrange point—where Earth and moon gravity balance—to conserve fuel. This path involves two engine burns: one to leave Earth orbit and another to enter the gravitational pathway.

The study focused on a simplified model, only considering Earth, the moon, and the spacecraft. It did not account for the gravitational effects of the sun or other celestial bodies, meaning the identified route may not be optimal for all launch dates. Despite this limitation, the team believes their computational method offers a powerful tool for future mission planning and finding even more efficient routes.