基于脉冲初值的小推力转移轨道优化研究

针对小推力转移轨道优化过程往往忽略初值多样性的现状,研究了基于不同脉冲初值的小推力转移轨道优化问题。基于直接法的离散思想建立了小推力转移轨道优化模型,提出了基于粒子群和序列二次规划的组合优化算法,以地球1∶1共振近地小行星2016HO3交会任务为例,将3种典型的脉冲轨道作为初值设计了燃料最优小推力转移轨道。仿真结果表明:3种初值轨道优化得到了2个小推力转移发射窗口,两者燃料消耗差距不超过6%。不同的初值对小推力轨道的整体性能指标影响较小,但开关机时刻和推力方向的变化会产生较大差异,从而得到不同的最优控制曲线。     

Design of optimal earth pole-sitter transfers using low-thrust propulsion

Recent studies have shown the feasibility of an Earth pole-sitter mission using low-thrust propulsion. This mission concept involves a spacecraft following the Earth's polar axis to have a continuous, hemispherical view of one of the Earth's poles. Such a view will enhance future Earth observation and telecommunications for high latitude and polar regions. To assess the accessibility of the pole-sitter orbit, this paper investigates optimum Earth pole-sitter transfers employing low-thrust propulsion. A launch from low Earth orbit (LEO) by a Soyuz Fregat upper stage is assumed after which solar electric propulsion is used to transfer the spacecraft to the pole-sitter orbit. The objective is to minimize the mass in LEO for a given spacecraft mass to be inserted into the pole-sitter orbit. The results are compared with a ballistic transfer that exploits manifold-like trajectories that wind onto the pole-sitter orbit. It is shown that, with respect to the ballistic case, low-thrust propulsion can achieve significant mass savings in excess of 200 kg for a pole-sitter spacecraft of 1000 kg upon insertion. To finally obtain a full low-thrust transfer from LEO up to the pole-sitter orbit, the Fregat launch is replaced by a low-thrust, minimum time spiral, which provides further mass savings, but at the cost of an increased time of flight.     

A low-thrust transfer between the Earth–Moon and Sun–Earth systems based on invariant manifolds

A low-energy, low-thrust transfer between two halo orbits associated with two coupled three-body systems is studied in this paper. The transfer is composed of a ballistic departure, a ballistic insertion and a powered phase using low-thrust propulsion to connect these two trajectories. The ballistic departure and insertion are computed by constructing the unstable and stable invariant manifolds of the corresponding halo orbits, and a complete low-energy transfer based on the patched invariant manifolds is optimized using the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm on the criterion of smallest velocity discontinuity and limited position discontinuity (less than 1 km). Then, the result is expropriated as the boundary conditions for the subsequent low-thrust trajectory design. The fuel-optimal problem is formulated using the calculus of variations and Pontryagin's Maximum Principle in a complete four-body dynamical environment. Then, a typical bang–bang control is derived and solved using the indirect method combined with a homotopic technique. The contributions of the present work mainly consist of two points. Firstly, the global search method proposed in this paper is simply handled using the PSO algorithm, a number of feasible solutions in a fairly wide range can be delivered without a priori or perfect knowledge of the transfers. Secondly, the indirect optimization method is used in the low-thrust trajectory design and the derivations of the first-order necessary conditions are simplified with a modified controlled, restricted four-body model.     

Method of continuation for optimization of interplanetary low-thrust trajectories

The problem of local optimization of interplanetary low-thrust trajectories is considered with the use of the maximum principle and continuation numerical methods. Two types of problems are analyzed: problems with limited power and problems with limited thrust. The latter problem is generalized by introducing the dependence of thrust and specific impulse on available electric power. In order to reduce the problem of optimal control to a boundary value problem, the Pontryagin maximum principle is used, and then, using the continuation method, this boundary value problem is reduced to the Cauchy problem. Variants of the continuation method for optimizing low-thrust trajectories are presented in the paper, including a new method of continuation for the limited thrust problem, which does not require any choice of the initial approximation for boundary values of conjugate variables.     

基于退火遗传算法的小推力轨道优化问题研究

利用退火遗传算法解决小推力轨道优化问题。首先利用传统混合法将轨道优化问题归结为受非线性方程约束的参数优化问题。通过结合退火和随机惩罚函数对约束条件进行处理后，用遗传算法求解这个参数优化问题。最后再采用局部优化算法提高解的精度。这种算法既保持了传统混合法精度高、解轨线光滑的优点，又克服了传统轨道优化方法收敛性差、初始猜测困难、容易陷入局部极小解的缺点。在本文的最后，利用文中提出的轨道优化算法求解“喷-停-喷”型定常推力幅值地球-木星轨道转移问题。算例证明此算法可以有效地求解小推力轨道转移问题，尤其适用于传统轨道优化方法难以求解的复杂轨道优化问题。     

Controlling the motion of a spacecraft when approaching a large object of space debris

The problem of calculating the parameters of maneuvering a spacecraft as it approaches a large object of space debris (LOSD) in close near-circular noncoplanar orbits has been considered. In [1–4], the results of analyzing the problem of the flyby of the separated LOSD groups have been presented. It has been assumed that a collector spacecraft approaches the LOSD and captures it or it is inserted into the nozzle of a small spacecraft that has a proper propulsion system (PS). However, in these papers, the flight from one object to another was only analyzed and the problem of approaching to LOSD with a given accuracy was not considered. This paper is a supplement to the cycle of papers [1–4]. It is assumed that, the final stage of approaching the LOSD is implemented by maneuvering in many orbits (up to several dozens) with low-thrust engines, but the PS operating time is fairly small compared with the orbit period in order to make it possible to use impulse approximation in the calculations.     

基于傅立叶平均法下的连续小推力动力学分析

通过将小推力展开为偏近点角的傅立叶级数,并对高斯摄动方程在一个轨道周期上的平均,将原方程的推力转化为仅由14个傅立叶系数表示的控制变量。仿真计算表明,平均化后的高斯方程使计算量与牛顿积分相比显著减少,且对小推力而言有足够的精度。对利用平均化后的高斯方程计算轨道根数时产生误差的原因进行了研究,并进一步分析小推力的范围和小推力近似表达式对上述误差的影响,为今后小推力下非开普勒轨道动力学分析提供了理论依据和参数。     

地球-火星的燃料最省小推力转移轨道的设计与优化

小推力转移轨道的设计与优化一直是深空探测轨道设计方面的难点。针对这些问题，提出了一种基于等高线图的初始发射机会搜索方法，该方法通过绘制探测器一火星距离的等高线图寻找满足任务约束的小推力转移轨道发射机会；同时，本文还给出了一种小推力轨道的直接优化算法，该算法通过将连续的控制变量参数化，把轨道优化问题转化为参数优化问题，然后基于所提搜索方法，采用逐次二次规划方法进行求解。数值计算验证了该发射机会初值猜测方法和优化算法的有效性。     

关于地球静止卫星远地点变轨策略的札记

在采用小推力远地点发动机的情况下,地球静止卫星在远地点变轨的策略宜按整星功能实现和优化的原则确定。当推重比大于0.02时,多次变轨比1次变轨节省的推进剂并不明显。     

Reachable domain of spacecraft with a single tangent impulse considering trajectory safety

The reachable domain of the two-body transfer orbit with a single upper-bounded tangent impulse is studied. Three cases are analyzed for either the magnitude of the tangent impulse or the initial impulse point being free, or both being free. For a fixed impulse magnitude and a free initial impulse point, the initial orbit is proved to be one of the envelopes of the reachable domain. Moreover, the trajectory safety for the transfer orbit requires a lower bound on the perigee altitude and an upper bound on the apogee altitude. Then the ranges of the impulse magnitude and the initial true anomaly can be obtained by solving quadratic and cubic inequalities, respectively. If both constraints are required for an arbitrary impulse point, the range of the impulse magnitude is obtained with impulses at the perigee and the apogee. Several numerical examples with different eccentricities are provided to show the geometry of the reachable domain and to verify the proposed method.     

Suboptimal,two-burn,midlevel thrust,LEO-GEO transfer: Practical control schemes

This paper presentes the results of an algorithm developed at INTELSAT to (1) synthesize suboptimal, two-burn midlevel thrust, LEO-GEO transfer trajectories; (2) define practical steering laws to approximate the nominal trajectories; and (3) simulate their performance. Capabilities of the algorithm include: independently selectable constant thrust levels for the two burns, constant acceleration, staging, fixing the mass at either ends of the transfer. Figures of inefficiency versus ideally impulsive transfer are plotted for a reference constant thrust case over a range of initial accelerations. The diagram indicates that acceptable inefficiencies are attainable in the initial acceleration range above 0.1 g. A comparison with an optimal two-burn low-thrust transfer indicates negligible degradation in efficiency. The results of an application to INTELSAT VI are included.     

Numerical solutions to exact equations of motion along near-optimal multi-orbit trajectories for a spacecraft in a Newtonian gravitational field

The actual topic of optimization of multi-orbit low-thrust spacecraft inter-orbital transfers is considered. We have developed an original approach to solving this problem, and it is described.     

Very high delta-V missions to the edge of the solar system and beyond enabled by the dual-stage 4-grid ion thruster concept

A new and innovative type of gridded ion thruster, the “Dual-Stage 4-Grid” or DS4G concept, has been proposed and its predicted high performance validated under an ESA research, development and test programme. The DS4G concept is able to operate at very high specific impulse and thrust density values well in excess of conventional 3-grid ion thrusters at the expense of a higher power-to-thrust ratio. This makes it a possible candidate for ambitious missions requiring very high delta-V capability and high power. Such missions include 100 kW-level multi-ton probes based on nuclear and solar electric propulsion (SEP) to distant Kuiper Belt Object and inner Oort cloud objects, and to the Local Interstellar medium. In this paper, the DS4G concept is introduced and its application to this mission class is investigated. Benefits of using the DS4G over conventional thrusters include reduced transfer time and increased payload mass, if suitably advanced lightweight power system technologies are developed.A mission-level optimisation is performed (launch, spacecraft system design and low-thrust trajectory combined) in order to find design solutions with minimum transfer time, maximum scientific payload mass, and to explore the influence of power system specific mass. It is found that the DS4G enables an 8-ton spacecraft with a payload mass of 400 kg, equipped with a 65 kW nuclear reactor with specific mass 25 kg/kW (e.g. Topaz-type with Brayton cycle conversion) to reach 200 AU in 23 years after an Earth escape launch by Ariane 5. In this scenario, the optimum specific impulse for the mission is over 10,000 s, which is well within the capabilities of a single 65 kW DS4G thruster. It is also found that an interstellar probe mission to 200 AU could be accomplished in 25 years using a “medium-term” SEP system with a lightweight 155 kW solar array (2 kg/kW specific mass) and thruster PPU (3.7 kg/kW) and an Earth escape launch on Ariane 5. In this case, the optimum specific impulse is lower at 3500 s which is well within conventional gridded ion thruster capability.     

Trajectories for missions of low-thrust spacecraft aimed at delivery of soil samples from main belt asteroids and Phobos

Trajectories of spacecraft with electro-jet low-thrust engines are studied for missions planning to deliver samples of matter from small bodies of the Solar System: asteroids Vesta and Fortuna, and Martian moon Phobos. Flight trajectories are analyzed for the mission to Phobos, the limits of optimization of payload spacecraft mass delivered to it are determined, and an estimate is given to losses in the payload mass when a low-thrust engine with constant outflow velocity is used. The model of an engine with ideally regulated low thrust is demonstrated to be convenient for calculations and analysis of flight trajectories of a low-thrust spacecraft.     

Optimal low-thrust transfer between neighbouring quasi-circular orbits around an oblate planet

The problem of optimal low-thrust, limited power transfer between quasi-circular orbits (e 0) around an oblate planet is analysed. It is assumed that the orbital changes due to thrust acceleration and Earth oblateness are of the same order. A first order solution to the problem is obtained by application of Pontryagin's Maximum Principle. Subsequently, by application of Hori's method for generalized canonical systems, a first order solution in a small parameter ε is derived. Finally, three particular cases of long-time transfer and the orbit maintenance manoeuvre are considered. The results obtained are in agreement and represent an extension of the work done by Marec.     

Nonlinear feedback control of low-thrust orbital transfer in a central gravitational field

This paper investigates the problem of continuous-thrust orbital transfer using orbital elements feedback from a nonlinear control standpoint, utilizing concepts of controllability, feedback stabilizability and their interaction. Gauss's variational equations (GVEs) are used to model the state-space dynamics of motion under a central gravitational field. First, the notion of accessibility is reviewed. It is then shown that the GVEs are globally accessible. Based on the accessibility result, a nonlinear feedback controller is derived which asymptotically steers a spacecraft form an initial elliptic orbit to any given elliptic orbit. The performance of the new controller is illustrated by simulating an orbital transfer between two geosynchronous Earth orbits. It is shown that the low-thrust controller requires less fuel than an impulsive maneuver for the same transfer time. Closed-form, analytic expressions for the new orbital transfer controller are given. Finally, it is proven, based on a topological nonlinear stabilizability test, that there does not exist a continuous closed-loop controller that can transfer a spacecraft onto a parabolic escape trajectory.     

基于轨迹成型法星际小推力转移轨道快速设计

给出了一种基于轨迹成型法星际小推力转移轨道的快速设计方法.首先介绍了基于轨迹成型法的有关内容,并通过与Hohmann变轨相对比验证了该方法描述小推力变轨的可用性.鉴于这种方法数学模型收敛性强,计算速度快的特点,以地火转移轨道为例,提出了不同推力条件下发射窗口的搜索方法.最后,利用基于轨迹成型法和真实数值仿真之间误差小、线性度好的特点,通过几次简单的线性迭代设计出小推力转移轨道.     

结合行星借力飞行技术的小推力转移轨道初始设计

针对结合行星借力和小推力技术的行星际转移轨道设计问题,提出一种基于形状逼近策略的初始设计方法。采用改进的逆六次多项式策略计算小推力弧段,通过引入B平面参数和推进器开关点时间系数实现行星借力和推滑混合轨道的拼接,将初始设计问题转化为求解混合整数非线性规划问题。为降低规划模型求解难度,通过参数变换对模型进行简化处理,并采用具有全局大范围搜索能力的改进微分进化算法求解最优设计参数。数值结果表明：相比正弦指数曲线设计方法,本文方法可以有效对交会型转移轨道进行设计,并且可以提供更少燃料消耗的探测机会。
     

High-thrust and low-thrust two-stage LEO-LEO transfer

In this paper a low-altitude orbit-to-orbit minimum-fuel transfer is discussed. The spacecraft consists of a high-thrust solid stage and a low-thrust liquid stage. The thrust acceleration ratio is greater than 500. Both initial and final orbits are circular but non-coplanar. In particular, altitudes of 300 and 500–600 km together with an inclination difference of about 16 deg are considered. J2 and drag perturbations and flight constraints are taken into account. The current discussion is centred on the nominal trajectory of a case of real interest.