Optimal Impulsive Orbit Control for Multi-Target Acquisition

Abstract

This proceeding proposes an optimal impulsive solution to overfly designated ground targets. The analytical approximate solution of delta-v is derived, which consists of only longitude difference and the orbital revolution number. Then, the fuel-optimal solution can be simplified as a way of selecting the optimal revolution number only. The obtained single-target solution is extended to cases of two- and three- targets. Even in multi-target case, it is shown that the optimization parameters are only the revolution numbers, so the simplicity of the solution form remains. The general solution considering descending pass and J2 perturbation is also presented. Numerical examples demonstrate that the impulsive solution, in terms of firing instants and magnitudes, makes the satellite overfly desired targets in a timely manner The proposed orbit-scheduling solution may be combined with the conventional attitude-scheduling problem, and as a result the integrated simultaneous scheduling may enhance the responsiveness of the earth observing mission further.