Optimal Low Thrust Transfer Using a First-Order Perturbation Model
Optimal Low Thrust Transfer Using a First-Order Perturbation Model

Author: T. G. Black

Publisher:

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 43

ISBN-13:

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An analytic solution to the optimal low thrust problem is developed using a first-order perturbation approach for planar orbit transfers. This solution is verified by comparison with the solution obtained by integrating the equations of motion. For low vehicle accelerations the analytic solution yields results quite close to those obtained by the integrated solution. At higher acceleration levels, however, the analytic solution diverges from the integrated solution. For very low acceleration levels the analytic solution approachs the limiting case of the infinitesimally low thrust spiral solution. Keywords include: Low thrust; Orbit transfer; Perturbation; Optimization.

Applied Nonsingular Astrodynamics
Applied Nonsingular Astrodynamics

Author: Jean Albert Kéchichian

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2018-08-16

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 1108472362

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This essential book is the first comprehensive exposition in the area of optimal low-thrust orbit transfer using non-singular variables.

Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization
Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization

Author: Bruce A. Conway

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2010-08-23

Total Pages: 313

ISBN-13: 113949077X

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This is a long-overdue volume dedicated to space trajectory optimization. Interest in the subject has grown, as space missions of increasing levels of sophistication, complexity, and scientific return - hardly imaginable in the 1960s - have been designed and flown. Although the basic tools of optimization theory remain an accepted canon, there has been a revolution in the manner in which they are applied and in the development of numerical optimization. This volume purposely includes a variety of both analytical and numerical approaches to trajectory optimization. The choice of authors has been guided by the editor's intention to assemble the most expert and active researchers in the various specialities presented. The authors were given considerable freedom to choose their subjects, and although this may yield a somewhat eclectic volume, it also yields chapters written with palpable enthusiasm and relevance to contemporary problems.

A New Algorithm to Generate Low-thrust Spacecraft Trajectories
A New Algorithm to Generate Low-thrust Spacecraft Trajectories

Author: Suwat Sreesawet

Publisher:

Published: 2014

Total Pages: 54

ISBN-13:

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All-electric satellites are gaining favor among the manufacturers and operators of satellites in Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO) due to cost saving potential. These satellites have the capability of performing all propulsive tasks with electric propulsion including transfer to GEO. Although fuel-efficient, electric thrusters lead to long transfer, during which the health and the usability of spacecraft is affected due to its exposure to hazardous space radiation in the Van Allen belts. Hence, determining electric orbit-raising trajectory that minimize transfer time is crucial for all-electric satellite operation. This thesis proposes a novel method to determine minimum-time orbit-raising trajectory by blending the ideas of direct optimization and guidance-like trajectory optimization schemes. The proposed methodology is applicable for both planar and non-planar transfers and for transfers starting from arbitrary circular and elliptic orbits. Therefore, it can be used for rapidly analyzing various orbit-raising mission scenarios. The methodology utilizes the variational equations of motion of the satellite in the context of the two-body problem by considering the low-thrust of an electric engine as a perturbing force. The no-thrust condition due to Earth's shadow is also considered. The proposed methodology breaks the overall optimization problem into multiple sub-problems and each sub-problem minimizes a desired objective over the sun-lit part of the trajectory. Two different objective types are considered. Type I transfers minimize the deviation of the total energy and eccentricity of final position from the GEO, while type II transfers minimize the deviation of total energy and angular momentum. Using the developed tool, several mission scenarios are analyzed including, a new type of mission scenarios, in which more than one thruster type are used for the transfer. The thesis presents the result for all studied scenarios and compares the performance of Type I and Type II transfers.

Applied Nonsingular Astrodynamics
Applied Nonsingular Astrodynamics

Author: Jean Albert Kéchichian

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2018-08-16

Total Pages: 481

ISBN-13: 1108576753

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This essential book describes the mathematical formulations and subsequent computer simulations required to accurately project the trajectory of spacecraft and rockets in space, using the formalism of optimal control for minimum-time transfer in general elliptic orbit. The material will aid research students in aerospace engineering, as well as practitioners in the field of spaceflight dynamics, in developing simulation software to carry out trade studies useful in vehicle and mission design. It will teach readers to develop flight software for operational applications in autonomous mode, so to actually transfer space vehicles from one orbit to another. The practical, real-life applications discussed will give readers a clear understanding of the mathematics of orbit transfer, allow them to develop their own operational software to fly missions, and to use the contents as a research tool to carry out even more complex analyses.