Abstract Analytical synthesis of extremal transfer trajectories with up to three intermediate thrust arcs between elliptical orbits is presented using Mayer’s variational problem. Solution uniqueness requires three such arcs connected via intermediate transfer orbits. Junction conditions provide state vector continuity at junction points. Fuel efficiency is compared with impulsive trajectories.

    Highlights Intermediate thrust arcs provide analytical solutions to maneuvers between orbits. Intermediate ballistic elliptical orbits are implemented between thrusting arcs. Use of three intermediate arcs required with fully defined initial and final orbits. Not all maneuvers are possible with use of three intermediate thrust arcs. Fuel efficiency is comparable to impulsive and continuous thrust maneuvers.


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    Title :

    Analytical solutions for extremal orbit transfers utilizing three intermediate thrust arcs in a Newtonian field


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Acta Astronautica ; 187 ; 196-204


    Publication date :

    2021-06-13


    Size :

    9 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English






    Optimal Continuous Thrust Orbit Transfers

    Thorne, J. D. / Hall, C. D. / American Astronautical Society et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1996