An elementary proof of the optimality of Hohmann transfers
Abstract
The Hohmann (1925) transfer is analytically proved by means of a gradient method to be the optimal two-impulse transfer between coplanar circular orbits in a central force field with a Newtonian attraction. By an extension of the method, it is further shown that a Hohmann-type transfer is the optimal two-impulse transfer between coplanar orbits, one of which is circular and the other elliptical. The gradient method clearly shows that the characteristic velocity attains a minimum on the boundary of the region where the transfer orbits lie.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Guidance Control Dynamics
- Pub Date:
- October 1984
- DOI:
- 10.2514/3.56375
- Bibcode:
- 1984JGCD....7..629P
- Keywords:
-
- Astrodynamics;
- Elliptical Orbits;
- Interorbital Trajectories;
- Orbital Mechanics;
- Transfer Orbits;
- Circular Orbits;
- Coplanarity;
- Trajectory Optimization;
- Astrodynamics