Comparison of orbit phasing maneuvers
Abstract
Prussing and Chiu developed a general analysis method for optimizing multiple-impulse, time-fixed rendezvous between circular orbits. Orbit phasing maneuvers, where the maneuvering spacecraft simply changes position within the same orbit, are a subset of these general maneuvers. The present analysis compares the use of simple orbit phasing maneuvers with the optimal maneuvers derived by Prussing and Chiu to determine the savings in fuel obtained with the optimal transfers. This study also analyzes the effect on fuel usage of the requirement that earth impact be avoided. This requirement was not considered by Prussing and Chiu. Results show that simple orbit phasing maneuvers generally use little additional fuel beyond that required for optimal maneuvers. The earth-avoidance requirement has a large effect on fuel usage for low-altitude orbits, but none for high-altitude orbits.
- Publication:
-
Astrodynamics 1989
- Pub Date:
- 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990asdy.conf.1029H
- Keywords:
-
- Circular Orbits;
- Optimal Control;
- Orbital Maneuvers;
- Orbital Rendezvous;
- Transfer Orbits;
- Elliptical Orbits;
- Fuel Control;
- Geosynchronous Orbits;
- Low Altitude;
- Space Navigation;
- Spacecraft Maneuvers;
- Astrodynamics