Optimum burn scheduling for low-thrust orbital transfers

R. G. Melton, K. M. Lajoie, J. W. Woodburn

Research output: Contribution to conferencePaperpeer-review

Abstract

This paper describes a method for optimizing the point at which thrust should be initiated on each passage of a multiple, low-thrust, finite duration perigee burn ascent trajectory. The quantity being minimized is the rotation of the line of apsides. The method is semi-analytic, requiring only a simple root-finding routine for the numerical portion of the solution. A simple perturbation solution is used to model the flight path during the burn, yielding a “burn-on” position with a maximum error of approximately 2%.

Original languageEnglish (US)
StatePublished - 1986
EventAstrodynamics Conference, 1986 - Williamsburg, United States
Duration: Aug 18 1986Aug 20 1986

Other

OtherAstrodynamics Conference, 1986
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityWilliamsburg
Period8/18/868/20/86

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics

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