High-accuracy computation of Delta V magnitude probability densities - Preliminary remarks

This paper describes an algorithm for the high accuracy computation of some statistical quantities of the magnitude of a random trajectory correction maneuver (TCM). The trajectory correction velocity increment Delta V is assumed to be a three-component random vector with each component being a normally distributed random scalar having a possibly nonzero mean. Knowledge of the statitiscal properties of the magnitude of a random TCM is important in the planning and execution of maneuver strategies for deep-space missions such as Galileo. The current algorithm involves the numerical integration of a set of differential equations. This approach allows the computation of density functions for specific Delta V magnitude distributions to high accuracy without first having to generate large numbers of random samples. Possible applications of the algorithm to maneuver planning, planetary quarantine evaluation, and guidance success probability calculations are described.