A Time Regularization Scheme for Spacecraft Trajectories Subject to Multi-Body Gravity

• Published in: The Journal of the astronautical sciences Vol. 70; no. 2
• Main Authors: Leith, James, Russell, Ryan P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 21.03.2023
• Subjects: Aerospace Technology and Astronautics; Engineering; Mathematical Applications in the Physical Sciences; Original Article; Space Exploration and Astronautics; Space Sciences (including Extraterrestrial Physics; Spacecraft trajectory design; Time regularization; Sundman transformation; Step size regulator; Spacecraft trajectory optimization; Flyby tour

A time regularization scheme is introduced that facilitates trajectory optimization in multi-body regimes. The time transformation function allows for fixed-step propagation, while eliminating the need for multiple models in patched conic approaches, and mitigating the risk of stepping over unplanne...