Optimal Multiple-Impulse Orbit Transfer Utilizing Pseudo-Newton Method

A new strategy is presented for the optimal transfer of non-coplanar elliptical orbits based on sequential multi-Lambert trajectories. The proposed method tries to minimize the control effort during the orbit transfer. The main advantages of the proposed method include transfer between arbitrary initial and final orbits, utilizing desired number of impulses, and covering all possible transfer trajectories to achieve the target. The position and time instant of impulses are considered as the design variables which determine utilizing the well-known optimization method of pseudo-Newton. Performance of the proposed method is investigated and verified through some numerical simulations. It is also shown that the proposed method converges to the celebrated Hahmann’s maneuver in transfer between two coplanar orbital orbits.