Applied Nonsingular Astrodynamics
Optimal Low-Thrust Orbit Transfer

This essential book is the first comprehensive exposition in the area of optimal low-thrust orbit transfer using non-singular variables.

Jean Albert Kéchichian (Author)

9781108472364, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 August 2018

476 pages, 181 b/w illus.
26.1 x 18.3 x 2.9 cm, 1.19 kg

'This is a book for specialists in orbital dynamics, authored by one of the leading current practitioners in the field. Its subtitle, 'Optimal Low-thrust Orbit Transfer' reflects one of the principal technical drivers behind the book, namely that an increasing number of satellites in Earth orbit are now using more fuel-efficient ion thrusters which have far lower thrust-levels than their chemically-propelled predecessors. As a consequence, there is an increasing need to optimise the longer trajectories - both in terms of time and distance travelled - that result from the use of this technology.' Stuart Eves, The Aeronautical Journal

This essential book describes the mathematical formulations and subsequent computer simulations required to accurately project the trajectory of spacecraft and rockets in space, using the formalism of optimal control for minimum-time transfer in general elliptic orbit. The material will aid research students in aerospace engineering, as well as practitioners in the field of spaceflight dynamics, in developing simulation software to carry out trade studies useful in vehicle and mission design. It will teach readers to develop flight software for operational applications in autonomous mode, so to actually transfer space vehicles from one orbit to another. The practical, real-life applications discussed will give readers a clear understanding of the mathematics of orbit transfer, allow them to develop their own operational software to fly missions, and to use the contents as a research tool to carry out even more complex analyses.

Preface
1. The fundamental classic analysis of Edelbaum, Sackett and Malchow, with additional detailed derivations and extensions
2. The analysis of the six-element formulation
3. Optimal low-thrust rendezvous using equinoctial orbit elements
4. Optimal low-thrust transfer using variable bounded thrust
5. Minimum-time low-thrust rendezvous and transfer using epoch mean longitude formulation
6. Trajectory optimization using eccentric longitude formulation
7. Low-thrust trajectory optimization based on epoch eccentric longitude formulation
8. Mechanics of trajectory optimization using nonsingular variational equations in polar coordinates
9. Trajectory optimization using nonsingular orbital elements and true longitude
10. The treatment of the Earth oblateness effect in trajectory optimization in equinoctial coordinates
11. Minimum-time constant acceleration orbit transfer with first-order oblateness effect
12. The streamlined and complete set of the nonsingular J2-perturbed dynamic and adjoint equations for trajectory optimization in terms of eccentric longitude
13. The inclusion of the higher order harmonics in the modeling of optimal low-thrust orbit transfer
14. Analytic expansions of luni-solar gravity perturbations along rotating axes for trajectory optimization: part 1: the dynamic system
15. Analytic expansions of luni-solar gravity perturbations along rotating axes for trajectory optimization: part 2: the multipliers system and simulations
16. Fourth order expansions of the luni-solar gravity perturbations along rotating axes for trajectory optimization
Index.

Subject Areas: Space science [TTD], Aerospace & aviation technology [TRP], Aerodynamics [TGMF1], Astrophysics [PHVB], Theoretical & mathematical astronomy [PGC], Astronomy, space & time [PG]