On the Solution of Lambert's Orbital Boundary-Value Problem
Abstract
During the past 30 years there has been a resurgence of interest in the classical orbital boundary value problem of Lambert, largely because of its relevance to space rendezvous and interception. The present Report is aimed at providing details of a universal solution of Lambert's problem. In particular, the report presents starting formulae for Halley's cubic iteration process, used for evaluation of the unknown parameter, x, at the heart of the approach; this process always gives highly accurate values of x after three iterations. A fortran-77 computing procedure for a general solution of Lambert's problem has been developed, and its three main subroutines are listed. Details are given of the testing of this procedure. Much of the report is devoted to a classification of the set of all Lambert problems, and to a discussion of various geometric and physical aspects. Keywords: Orbits, Celestial mechanics, Lambert's problem, Great Britain.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1988
- Accession Number
- ADA200383
Entities
People
- Robert H. Gooding
Organizations
- Royal Aircraft Establishment