Optimal impulse point-to-elliptical orbit transfers of a spacecraft

Abstract

The paper deals with energetically optimal multi-impulse transfer of a spacecraft in the central Newtonian gravity field near a planet. At the initial state of the transfer the distance from the spacecraft to the center of attraction, its radial and transversal velocity projections are known. At the end of the transfer the spacecraft must be located in the elliptical orbit with the given area and energy constants. The distance from the spacecraft to the center of attraction is bounded above and below, the transfer time being unspecified. The initial orbit intersects the inner boundary of the given ring. All the optimal solutions have been obtained by analytical way. A number of new solutions has been found for the given problem in comparison with the case of the transfer from the orbit at the free initial point. Up to five impulses can be applied on the optimal trajectories. The numerical simulation of the problem is carried out. It shows that all obtained solutions give not only local but global optimal energetic input on the corresponding conditions.