Research on optimal strategy of fixed-time rendezvous

Abstract

Fuel optimization of fixed time hard rendezvous problem is studied. Optimal fuel is calculated by indirect and direct approaches respectively. The indirect approach is based on primer vector theory, and primer vector of transfer orbit is calculated and improved. A nonlinear optimization model is formulated for the problem of multiple-impulse rendezvous optimizing by direct approach, and the optimal number of impulses, their times and magnitude are obtained numerically. Finally, the optimal transfer strategy for studied type of rendezvous problem is put forward.