Optimal delta-V-based strategies in orbital pursuit-evasion games

Abstract

This research investigates the orbital pursuit-evasion games with impulsive maneuvers in long-distance interception scenarios. Specifically, this paper examines the influences of escape impulses, with different directions, applied by the evader on the intercept-correction delta-v (ΔVCorr) of the pursuer that is already on an interception orbit. After obtaining the evader’s strategies based on maximizing the ΔVCorr under different circumstances, it is found that, with the knowledge of the evader’s best strategy, the pursuer could make ΔVCorr smaller by adjusting its initial interception orbit. Then, a method to modify the initial orbit with energy constraints is designed so that the pursuer can match the evader’s escape maneuver with less delta-v to prepare. Finally, this paper summarizes the best strategies of both sides after considering the initial trajectory adjustment and discusses the impact of incomplete information on tactics in orbital pursuit-evasion games.