Abstract AAS 97-647

AAS 97-647

AN ANALYTIC APPROACH TO OPTIMAL RENDEZVOUS USING THE DER-DANCHICK EQUATIONS

G.J. Der and R. Danchick - TRW

Abstract

This paper presents an analytic approach to the optimal rendezvous problem based on the Der-Danchick equations. These equations generalize the Hill-Clohessy-Wiltshire equations. The new approach, which exploits the universal state transition matrix in any coordinate system, provides simple linear solutions for optimal rendezvous using arbitrary conic reference orbits. Their application is straightforward and avoids almost all singularities. The analytic non-linear Lambert and Vinti solutions, which illustrate respectively the Keplerian and non-Keplerian effects, are also included for comparison. Numerical examples are included to illustrate the performance of the new approach.