Pursuit-Evasion Games Between Two Spacecraft in Near-Earth Orbit

Abstract

The reports considers the problem of developing the optimum thrust angle programs for two constant mass, constant thrust spacecraft engaged in pursuit and evasion in near-earth orbit. The problem is formulated as a differential game in which the pursuer attempts to minimize the final separation distance while the evader attempts to maximize it. The problem is approached by linearizing the equations of motion about a circular reference orbit at the earth's surface. The validity of the linearized equations is verified by comparing a linearized trajectory to six non-linear trajectories. The fixed-time and free-time two point boundary value problems are solved for the linear case.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 01, 1972
Accession Number
AD0741454

Entities

People

  • Richard H. Woodward

Organizations

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Boundary Value Problems
  • Circular Orbits
  • Differential Equations
  • Earth Orbits
  • Engineering
  • Equations
  • Equations Of Motion
  • Equations Of State
  • Geometry
  • Orbits
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Space Systems
  • Spacecraft
  • Trajectories
  • Two Dimensional
  • Vehicles

Readers

  • Fluid Dynamics.
  • Operations Research
  • Space Exploration and Orbital Mechanics.

Technology Areas

  • Space
  • Space - Orbital Debris
  • Space - Spacecraft Maneuvers