93-140
Operational Constraints In Optimal, Impulsive, Rendezvous Trajectories
Bruce R. Haufler*, D. J. Jezewski** and Tom A. Mulder***
Abstract
The ever-increasing need for a more efficient rendezvous trajectory design tool has resulted in development of a program which uses a theoretical approach to compute optimal, impulsive, rendezvous trajectories with operational constraints. The program is termed Optimal Maneuver Analysis of Trajectories (OMAT). The incorporation of operational constraints into OMAT is discussed. Examples of the operational constraints and their gradients are mathematically formulated. The difficulties encountered in their implementation are discussed. Several examples are given to illustrate how ~he algorithm can be used to design optimal, impulsive, rendezvous trajectories that enforce user-specified operational constraints.
*Senior Engineer, Rendezvous Analysis, McDonnell Douglas space Systems - Houston Division, 16055 Space Center Blvd., Houston, Texas 77062.
**Specialist. GN&C Optimization, McDonnell Douglas space Systems - Houston Division, 16055 space Center Blvd., Houston, Texas 77062.
***Technical Specialist. Rendezvous Analysis, McDonnell Douglas Space Systems - Houston Division, 16055 Space Center Blvd., Houston, Texas 77062.