The Lambert problem is to determine the gravitational orbit between two points that has a specified time of flight, allowing the second point to be a moving target such as a satellite. After a review of gravitational orbits, a solution of the Lambert problem is presented using the path equation directly. However, because the time interval is specified, the solution requires a search procedure. An example is given to illustrate the method.

1.
Lambert's problem—Wikipedia.
2.
R. R.
Bate
,
D. D.
Mueller
,
J. E.
White
, and
W. W.
Saylor
,
Fundamentals of Astrodynamics
(
Dover Books
,
Mineola, NY
,
1971
).
3.
R. H.
Battin
,
An Introduction to the Mathematics and Methods of Astrodynamics
(
AIAA Education Series
,
Reston, VA
,
1999
).
4.
H.
Goldstein
,
Classical Mechanics
, 2nd ed. (
Addison-Wesley
,
Reading, MA
,
1980
).
AAPT members receive access to the American Journal of Physics and The Physics Teacher as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.