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Theory and computation of optimal low- and medium-thrust transfersThis report presents two numerical methods considered for the computation of fuel-optimal, low-thrust orbit transfers in large numbers of burns. The origins of these methods are observations made with the extremal solutions of transfers in small numbers of burns; there seems to exist a trend such that the longer the time allowed to perform an optimal transfer the less fuel that is used. These longer transfers are obviously of interest since they require a motor of low thrust; however, we also find a trend that the longer the time allowed to perform the optimal transfer the more burns are required to satisfy optimality. Unfortunately, this usually increases the difficulty of computation. Both of the methods described use small-numbered burn solutions to determine solutions in large numbers of burns. One method is a homotopy method that corrects for problems that arise when a solution requires a new burn or coast arc for optimality. The other method is to simply patch together long transfers from smaller ones. An orbit correction problem is solved to develop this method. This method may also lead to a good guidance law for transfer orbits with long transfer times.
Document ID
19940018802
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Contractor Report (CR)
Authors
Chuang, C.-H. (Georgia Inst. of Tech. Atlanta, GA, United States)
Date Acquired
September 6, 2013
Publication Date
January 4, 1994
Subject Category
Spacecraft Propulsion And Power
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:194812
NASA-CR-194812
Accession Number
94N23275
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG8-921
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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