Optimization of low-thrust transfers to libration point orbits
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
ISSN: 0002-2667
Article publication date: 4 January 2016
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to develop a superconvergent trajectory optimization method for the design of low-thrust transfer trajectories from parking orbit to libration point orbits near the collinear libration points.
Design/methodology/approach
The optimization method is developed by merging the concept of Lyapunov feedback control law with the manifold dynamics. First, the whole transfer trajectory is divided into two segments, raising segment and coast segment. Then, the trajectories of each segment are described in different coordinate frames, and designed with Lyapunov feedback control law and the manifold dynamics, respectively. The Poincaré section is used as an effective tool to search the compatible patching point between these two segments on the manifold. Finally, the transfer trajectory is optimized using sequential quadratic programming.
Findings
In the numerical simulation, the proposed optimization method does not have any convergence problem. It is a fast and effective method for the very sensitive trajectory optimization problem.
Originality/value
The nonlinear constraints in the original trajectory optimization problem are satisfied by using the Lyapunov feedback control law; hence, the problem is transformed into a nonconstrained parameter optimization problem. The convergence problem of the sensitive optimization problem is solved thoroughly.
Keywords
Acknowledgements
This research is supposed by China Academy of Space Technology CAST201204, and National Natural Science Foundation of China 11302010 and 11102009.
Citation
Li, W. and Huang, H. (2016), "Optimization of low-thrust transfers to libration point orbits", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 88 No. 1, pp. 16-23. https://doi.org/10.1108/AEAT-12-2013-0233
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2016, Emerald Group Publishing Limited