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Calculation of free-fall trajectories using numerical optimization methods.An important problem in space flight is the calculation of trajectories for nonthrusting vehicles between fixed points in a given time. A new procedure based on Hamilton's principle for solving such two-point boundary-value problems is presented. It employs numerical optimization methods to perform the extremization required by Hamilton's principle. This procedure is applied to the calculation of an Earth-Moon trajectory. The results show that the initial guesses required to obtain an iteration procedure which converges are not critical and that convergence can be obtained to any predetermined degree of accuracy.
Document ID
19720050355
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Hull, D. G.
Fowler, W. T.
Gottlieb, R. G.
(Texas, University Austin, Tex., United States)
Date Acquired
August 6, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1972
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of the Astronautical Sciences
Volume: 19
Subject Category
Space Sciences
Accession Number
72A34021
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-44-012-136
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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