EMEEVE VEM Triple Cycler (3-synodic beat archetype)

vem-emeeve-3syn · source: literature · validation: V0

Signature

Bodies: E-M-E-E-V-E
Sequence (canonical): E-M-E-E-V-E
Sense: outbound
Period: 6.410 yr (3 × E-M synodic)
3 × E-M synodic = 6.405 yr. This exactly matches the 4 × E-V synodic beat (4 × 1.599 = 6.396 yr), the natural alignment for the EMEEVE sequence. Sibling of `jones-2017-vem-triple-family`, which captures the 2-synodic E-M (4.27 yr) branch of the same paper's findings.
Priority date: 2017-08-20

V∞ at encounters

E (#1): — (not published)
Targeted below 5.0 km/s per the Jones 2017 constraint for near-Hohmann transit legs.
M (#2): — (not published)
Targeted below 5.0 km/s.

Orbit elements (heliocentric)

Semi-major axis a: — AU
Eccentricity e: —
Perihelion: — AU
Aphelion: — AU
Inclination: —°

Primary citation

Jones, D. R. et al. (2017). Low Excess Speed Triple Cyclers of Venus, Earth, and Mars. AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, AAS Paper 17-577.

URL: https://ntrs.nasa.gov/citations/20190028464

Notes

Captures the 6.4-year (3-synodic E-M = 4-synodic E-V = VEM beat) geometry referenced in spec.md §3. The EMEEVE sequence specifically uses Venus's large-bend gravity assist (~60° at V∞=7) to correct the phase shift induced by the Mars flyby, enabling ballistic closure over the 3-synodic period.

Source quotes (per-field provenance)

Every numerical value in this entry traces to a verbatim or paraphrased quote from a cited source.

period.years: Jones et al. 2017 (abstract, NTRS 20190028464): "The time it takes to repeat a given angular alignment of the three planets (the synodic period T_syn) is approximately 6.4 years. This is about three Earth- Mars synodic periods."