Analytical dispersion analysis of a strategy of maneuvers

A numerical model is presented for optimizing a multi-burn maneuver by a spacecraft using hypergolic fuels for orbital changes or stationkeeping. The model accounts for all possible errors in multi-burn maneuvers by treating the situation as a series of state equations. Possible errors arise between different thrusts, from orbit restitution, from erroneous maneuvers, and from maneuvers from a previous erroneous state. The errors are assumed to have a Gaussian distribution. A linear strategy equation is employed to transfer from one state to another and correct for errors. The model is illustrated in terms of the performance of a transfer orbit maneuver to achieve circularization. The maneuver strategy obtained is estimated to be 97.73 percent accurte at each stage and to have very low computational requirements.