ABSTRACT
Multi-purpose flights near planets that have a system of natural satellites are of great interest. Flybys of Martian satellites, in view of their minor mass, exerted no noticeable effect on the spacecraft orbits; flybys of massive satellites of a large planet allow a purposeful alteration of the spacecraft near-planetary orbit, thus extending the range of research. Flights using flybys of the natural satellites of Jupiter require lesser values of the incoming velocity to the target satellite. When considering planetary missions, the chapter mentions the potential of the four satellites of Jupiter, whose masses are comparable with those of planets such as Mercury. Large natural satellites are known also at Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. The gravitational characteristics of these satellites allow them to be considered objects for gravity assist maneuvering in the near-planetary zone. In the sphere of activity of Saturn, the greatest effect is the perturbation effect of Titan, whereas the potential of Tethys, Diona, and Rhea are approximately equal.
