The rocket problem in general relativity
General Relativity and Quantum Cosmology
2012-07-16 v2 Systems and Control
Optimization and Control
Abstract
We derive the covariant optimality conditions for rocket trajectories in general relativity, with and without a bound on the magnitude of the proper acceleration. The resulting theory is then applied to solve two specific problems: the minimum fuel consumption transfer between two galaxies in a FLRW model, and between two stable circular orbits in the Schwarzschild spacetime.
Keywords
Cite
@article{arxiv.1105.5235,
title = {The rocket problem in general relativity},
author = {Pedro G. Henriques and Jose Natario},
journal= {arXiv preprint arXiv:1105.5235},
year = {2012}
}
Comments
21 pages, 3 figures; v2: several changes to improve clarity, including a new derivation of the rocket equation; matches final published version