Transformation of the spacecraft's orbit using the swing method

Yu. F. Golubev


Abstract: A method for optimal control of the spacecraft's orbit in the central gravitational field is presented, based on the principle of cyclic pumping of spacecraft energy into a mechanical system located in the vicinity of the minimum potential energy. An appropriate algorithm has been built for continuous thrust engines, pulse engines, as well as when using a solar sail. The efficiency of the algorithm has been analytically demonstrated.

Keywords: space vehicle, orbit, control, optimization.

UDC: 531.38