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Virginia Tech

Six degree of freedom optimal trajectories for satellite rendezvous

Abstract

dc:description.abstract

A method is developed for computing the minimum fuel trajectory for a satellite that moves between two different positions and orientations using a sequence of impulsive burns. The method makes use of the linear Clohessy-Wiltshire equations to describe translational motions, Euler's equations of rigid body motion for describing the attitude motions, and a sequential quadratic programming optimization code. Initial solutions are found assuming no coupling between the translational and rotational motions and with no imposed constraint on the time of the rendezvous. Further solutions are then found by varying the vehicle center of gravity location along one axis, thereby coupling the rotational motions into two axes of translation thrusters, and by imposing time limits on the rendezvous. A discussion of the impact that these parameters have on the optimal solutions for two different models of the satellite thruster systems is then presented.

Degree

thesis:*
Name thesis:degree_name
Master of Science
Level thesis:degree_level
masters
Discipline thesis:degree_discipline
Aerospace Engineering
Department dc:contributor.department
Aerospace Engineering
Grantor dc:publisher
Virginia Tech
Year dc:date.issued
1996

Author and committee

dc:creator, dc:contributor.*
Author dc:creator
  • Kruep, John M.
Chair dc:contributor.committeechair
  • Lutze, Frederick H. Jr.
Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember
  • Anderson, Mark R.
  • Durham, Wayne C.

Subjects

dc:subject × 4

Rights

dc:rights
Statement dc:rights
  • In Copyright
Language dc:language.iso
en

Identifiers

dc:identifier.*
Dc Identifier Other
etd-02132009-171146
OAI identifier oai:identifier
oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/41037

Chain of custody

source
Harvested from
Virginia Tech
Base URL
vtechworks.lib.vt.edu/oai/request
Last updated
2026-07-22
Source record
OAI-PMH GetRecord
citation

Kruep, John M.. Six degree of freedom optimal trajectories for satellite rendezvous. masters thesis, Virginia Tech, 1996. http://hdl.handle.net/10919/41037