VELOCITY AND TIME REQUIREMENTS FOR ORBITAL TRANSFER AND RENDEZVOUS.
Abstract
A nomographical technique is presented for determining the total velocity increment and time required to complete an orbital transfer between two elliptical orbits in the same gravitational sphere of influence. The general case of non-coaxial, inclined, elliptical orbits is considered. The problem is simplified into a pseudo-coplanar problem by making the plane change at the line of nodes. The mathematical model used is based on unperturbed conic sections and instantaneous velocity impulses. The elements of the transfer ellipse are derived in terms of the orbital parameters of the initial and final orbits. The departure point, arrival point, and change in flight path angle at departure or arrival are the independent variables. The solution to the problem is portrayed on a set of nomographs which provides answers of sufficient accuracy for the initial planning of a mission. The report also includes investigations of timing control and velocity optimization. A time matching technique is presented for the selection of the transfer path necessary to rendezvous.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1964
- Accession Number
- AD0610231
Entities
People
- Lawrence Lee Gooch
- Tom Jennings Forster
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology