We study the scattering motion of the planar restricted three-body problem
for small mass parameters mu. We consider the symmetric periodic orbits of
this system with mu = 0 that collide with the singularity together with the
circular and parabolic solutions of the Kepler problem. These divide the p
arameter space in a natural way and characterize the main features of the s
cattering problem for small non-vanishing mu. Indeed, continuation of these
orbits yields the primitive periodic orbits of the system for small mu. Fo
r different regions of the parameter space, we present scattering functions
and discuss the structure of the chaotic saddle. We show that for mu < mu(
c) and any Jacobi integral there exist departures from hyperbolicity due to
regions of stable motion in phase space. Numerical bounds for mu(c) are gi
ven.