Abstract:
This paper is devoted to the kinematic problem of the optimal, in terms of time,
program angular acceleration of a spacecraft as a solid body under arbitrary (given) boundary
conditions imposed on its angular position and angular velocity. A quasi-optimal analytical
solution of the problem is obtained within the classical Poinsot concept of the angular motion of
a solid body as a generalized coning motion and Pontryagin’s maximum principle. This solution
is brought to an algorithm. Supporting analytical and numerical examples are provided to show
either the proximity of the quasi-optimal and optimal solutions or their complete coincidence,
depending on the boundary conditions.
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