Scientists have discovered a new fuel-efficient Earth-to-Moon trajectory that could significantly reduce spacecraft fuel consumption and reshape future lunar cargo and exploration missions.

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• An international research team published a breakthrough study in April 2026 revealing a new low-energy Earth-to-Moon transfer route using advanced orbital mechanics.
• The study was conducted by scientists from the University of São Paulo in Brazil and the University of Coimbra in Portugal using complex computational simulations.
• Researchers discovered a trajectory capable of reducing spacecraft fuel requirements by nearly 58.8 metres per second in delta-v compared with previous optimal routes.
• The newly identified route uses gravitational interactions between Earth and the Moon along pathways connected to the Interplanetary Transportation Network system.
• The trajectory approaches the Moon from its far side and navigates through the L1 Lagrange point located between Earth and the Moon.
• Scientists simulated nearly 30 million potential trajectories and analysed around 280,000 reference cases using the theory of functional connections and advanced modelling methods.
• The route allows uninterrupted communication with Earth and avoids signal blackouts commonly experienced when spacecraft move behind the Moon during missions.
• Although the journey requires nearly 32 days, researchers believe the route is highly suitable for non-urgent cargo transportation and future lunar logistics missions.