PROBLEMS OF OPTIMIZATION IN THE MECHANICS OF SPACEFLIGHT WITH SMALL THRUSTS (PROBLEMY OPTIMIZATSII V MEKHANIKE KOSMICHESKOGO POLETA S MALOI TYAGOI),
Abstract
The authors consider the problem of optimization in the mechanics of space flight with low thrust. Included in this problem are selection of the optimum ratios between the weight components of the spacecraft and optimum control of the thrust system as well as determination of the optimum trajectories of the flight in the aggregate. A relationship is established between the weight characteristics and parameters of the engine system and the possibilities for thrust control are discussed. Optimization of flight mechanics is considered in detail for systems using solar sails and power-limited propulsion systems, e.g. electric reaction engines. It is shown that the problem of optimization for an ideal system resolves into two independent problems: (1) finding the optimum ratio between the weight of the power source and the weight of the working material and (2) finding the optimum trajectories and programs for the rocket acceleration vector. The literature covering the numerical solution of these problems is briefly reviewed. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 17, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0674151
Entities
People
- G. L. Grodzovskii
- V. V. Tokarev
- Yu. N. Ivanov
Organizations
- National Air and Space Intelligence Center