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Related papers: Optimal Low-Thrust Orbit Transfers Made Easy: A Di…

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We present a purely algebraic formulation (i.e. polynomial equations only) of the minimum-cost multi-impulse orbit transfer problem without time constraints, while keeping all the variables with a precise physical meaning. We apply general…

Mathematical Physics · Physics 2024-07-12 Martin Avendano , Verónica Martín-Molina , Jorge Martín-Morales , Jorge Ortigas-Galindo

One of the fundamental problems in spacecraft trajectory design is finding the optimal transfer trajectory that minimizes the propellant consumption and transfer time simultaneously. We formulate this as a multi-objective optimal control…

Systems and Control · Electrical Eng. & Systems 2022-12-15 Nikolaus Vertovec , Sina Ober-Blöbaum , Kostas Margellos

In this paper we study the problem of designing periodic orbits for a special class of hybrid systems, namely mechanical systems with underactuated continuous dynamics and impulse events. We approach the problem by means of optimal control.…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2017-02-16 Sara Spedicato , Giuseppe Notarstefano

The design of transfers to periodic orbits in the Earth-Moon system has regained prominence with NASA's Artemis and CNSA's Chang'e programs. This work addresses the problem of linking ballistic capture trajectories - exploiting multi-body…

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics · Physics 2026-01-09 Lorenzo Anoè , Roberto Armellin , Jack Yarndley , Thomas Caleb , Stéphanie Lizy-Destrez

In the Earth-Moon system, low-energy orbits are transfer trajectories from the earth to a circumlunar orbit that require less propellant consumption when compared to the traditional methods. In this work we use a Monte Carlo approach to…

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics · Physics 2015-05-30 Roberto Capuzzo-Dolcetta , Marco Giancotti

The problem of minimum-time, low-thrust, Earth-to-Mars interplanetary orbital trajectory optimization is considered. The minimum-time orbital transfer problem is modeled as a four-phase optimal control problem where the four phases…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2021-04-08 Brittanny V. Holden , Shan He , Anil V. Rao

Recent low-thrust space missions have highlighted the importance of designing trajectories that are robust against uncertainties. In its complete form, this process is formulated as a nonlinear constrained stochastic optimal control…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2022-02-25 Naoya Ozaki , Stefano Campagnola , Ryu Funase

This paper presents a comparative study of the applicability and accuracy of optimal control methods and neural network-based estimators in the context of porkchop plots for preliminary asteroid rendezvous mission design. The scenario…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2026-02-19 Zhong Zhang , Niccolò Michelotti , Gonçalo Oliveira Pinho , Yilin Zou , Francesco Topputo

In this paper, we present an application of the optimal control theory to orbital transfer of Low Earth Orbit satellites. The optimal control problem is treated with Dynamic Programming techniques which require solving the…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2024-07-23 C. Ciancarelli , R. Ferretti , A. Intelisano , G. Villani

Homotopy methods have been widely utilized to solve low-thrust orbital transfer problems, however, it is not guaranteed that the optimal solution can be obtained by the existing homotopy methods. In this paper, a new homotopy method is…

Instrumentation and Methods for Astrophysics · Physics 2018-09-05 Binfeng Pan , Xun Pan , Siqi Zhang

Designing optimal trajectories for multi-flyby asteroid missions is scientifically critical but technically challenging due to nonlinear dynamics, intermediate constraints, and numerous local optima. This paper establishes a method that…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2025-08-06 Zhong Zhang , Xiang Guo , Di Wu , Hexi Baoyin , Junfeng Li , Francesco Topputo

Electric propulsion is used to maximize payload capacity in communication satellites. These orbit raising maneuvers span several months and hundreds of revolutions, making trajectory design a complex challenge. The literature typically…

Systems and Control · Electrical Eng. & Systems 2025-12-25 Suraj Kumar , Aditya Rallapalli , Nivriti Priyadarshini , Bharat Kumar GVP , Ravi Kumar L

This paper proposes a solution for multiple-impulse orbital maneuvers near circular orbits for special cases where orbital observations are not globally available and the spacecraft is being observed through a limited window from a ground…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2020-06-02 Amir Shakouri , Seid H. Pourtakdoust , Mohammad Sayanjali

The multiple spacecraft guidance problem for proximity flight in libration point orbit is considered. A nonlinear optimal control problem with continuous-time path constraints enforcing minimum separation between each spacecraft is…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2025-09-19 Yuri Shimane , Purnanand Elango , Avishai Weiss

This study addresses optimal impulsive trajectory design within the Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem (CR3BP), presenting a global optimization-based approach to identify minimum $\Delta V$ transfers between periodic orbits, including…

Space Physics · Physics 2024-05-30 Flavio Tagliaferri , Emmanuel Blazquez , Giacomo Acciarini , Dario Izzo

The problem under consideration is to drive a spatial vehicle to a target at a given final time while minimizing fuel consumption. This is a classical optimal control problem in a deterministic setting. However temporary stochastic failures…

Numerical Analysis · Mathematics 2025-11-19 Jean-Philippe Chancelier , Pierre Carpentier , Guy Cohen , Thierry Dargent , Richard Epenoy

This paper investigates the infinite horizon optimal control problem (OCP) for space applications characterized by nonlinear dynamics. The proposed approach divides the problem into a finite horizon OCP with a regularized terminal cost,…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2025-10-13 Abhijeet , Mohamed Naveed Gul Mohamed , Aayushman Sharma , Suman Chakravorty

In this paper, we present the controllability properties of Keplerian motion controlled by low-thrust control systems. The low-thrust control system, compared with high or even impulsive control system, provide a fuel-efficient means to…

Optimization and Control · Mathematics 2015-05-28 Zheng Chen , Yacine Chitour

Dynamical structures in the circular restricted three-body problem (CR3BP) are fundamental for designing low-energy transfers, as they aid in analyzing phase space transport and designing desirable trajectories. One of these dynamical…

Chaotic Dynamics · Physics 2026-05-14 Naoki Hiraiwa , Mai Bando , Yuzuru Sato , Shinji Hokamoto

Near-Earth Objects (NEOs) are attractive exploration targets due to their accessibility, scientific value, and resources. Although trajectory design has revealed efficient pathways to these bodies, systematic strategies for Earth-NEO…

Earth and Planetary Astrophysics · Physics 2026-03-31 Alessandro Beolchi , Mauro Pontani , Kathleen Howell , Chiara Pozzi , Sean Swei , Elena Fantino