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Optimal low-thrust orbital transfers in a central gravity field

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Abstract

The results of studying some problems of optimization of low-thrust transfers between arbitrary elliptic orbits in a Newtonian gravity field are expounded. An approximate solution obtained by the averaging method is presented. Analytical solutions of the averaged equations are given for a wide class of maneuvers. The problem of constructing numerical solutions to the exact equations of motion of a spacecraft between high orbits is discussed

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  1. Taras Shevchenko National University, Kiev, Ukraine

    B. N. Kiforenko

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Translated from Prikladnaya Mekhanika, Vol. 41, No. 11, pp. 3–37, November 2005.

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Kiforenko, B.N. Optimal low-thrust orbital transfers in a central gravity field. Int Appl Mech 41, 1211–1238 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10778-006-0028-9

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