Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Mar 1977
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1977cemec..15..161j&link_type=abstract
Celestial Mechanics, vol. 15, Mar. 1977, p. 161-189.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
1
Interplanetary Trajectories, Low Thrust Propulsion, Oblate Spheroids, Optimal Control, Orbital Launching, Thrust Programming, Astrodynamics, Fuel Consumption, Trajectory Control, Zonal Harmonics
Scientific paper
Future space missions to the outer planets may depend upon the use of low-thrust propulsion systems. As these planets are decidedly oblate, the question of the effect of that oblateness on a low-thrust trajectory is of some interest. In this paper the problem of optimal energy increase is attacked under the assumption that the coefficients for the second zonal harmonic, and the nondimensional thrust acceleration are the same order of magnitude. By means of a two-variable asymptotic expansion technique, a near optimal control program is generated and the first-order uniformly valid approximation for the corresponding trajectory is obtained. Tangential thrust is shown to be a good near-optimal thrust program even in the presence of oblateness effects. The optimal control program is found to be oscillatory and quite similar to the optimal control for energy increase in an inverse square gravitational field.
Jacobson Abram R.
Powers W. F.
No associations
LandOfFree
Optimal low-thrust takeoff from an orbit about an oblate planet does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Optimal low-thrust takeoff from an orbit about an oblate planet, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Optimal low-thrust takeoff from an orbit about an oblate planet will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1847323