Orbit Transfer Optimization Design for Spacecraft of Electric Propulsion

Electric propulsion is promising as a crucial technology,and the optimal orbit transfer trajectory design for continuous- thrust is one of its developing directions. But,general methods are not suitable for fragility,time-consuming or non- optimality. At first,the model of orbit transfer optimization using continuous- thrust was brought out. Then,the model was transformed into nonlinear programming( NLP) problem by Legendre pseudospectral method which is presented recently as a novel algorithm,and the NLP was solved by SNOPT based on Matlab. In the mean time,through costate estimate,the optimality of the solution was achieved and analyzed. Also,the problem was solved through general indirect shooting methods. The simulation and the obtained outcomes demonstrate that the Legendre pseudospectral method is robust,quickly converged,and potential for in- time control. As a consequence,the Legendre pseudospectral method is suitable for optimal trajectory design of electric propulsion thrust,and it will play an important role in the spaceflight projects soon.