Optimal variable-specific-impulse trajectories in simple gravitational fields

Minimum-fuel trajectories in the Clohessy-Wiltshire orbital model are investigated. Low-thrust variable-specific-impulse propulsion is assumed. The necessary conditions for an optimal solution and the equations of motion are combined to produce a single equation. Every solution to this equation is an optimal trajectory. Boundary conditions for rendezvous and intercept trajectories are formulated and optimal solutions are obtained. Previous analytical solutions are examined and reconciled.

Name thesis:degree_name

M.S.

Level thesis:degree_level

Thesis

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Aerospace Engineering

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2019

Author dc:creator

• Ponnapalli, Kaushik

Contributors dc:contributor

• Prussing, John E.

• Astrodynamics, Optimal Trajectories
• Trajectory Optimization

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2019 Kaushik Ponnapalli

Language dc:language

en

Handle dc:identifier

http://hdl.handle.net/2142/104920

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:www.ideals.illinois.edu:2142/104920