Satellite transfer orbit search methods are described herein. One disclosed example method includes determining, based on boundary transfer orbits (214, 218) of a satellite (101, 203), end points (304, 306) of an oblate epicycloid segment (302) related to a transfer orbit (106) of the satellite, and calculating, using a processor (612), a shape of the oblate epicycloid segment based on satellite data and the end points to define a search zone to determine a position of the satellite as the satellite moves along the transfer orbit.