Fuel Optimal Trajectories for Low-Thrust Orbit Transfer

Low-thrust spacecraft orbit transfer optimization problem is studied in this paper, and shooting method is applied to the transfer trajectory optimization for satellites on high eccentric orbit. First, this paper puts forward the gauss perturbation equation of non-singular equinoctial elements. A first order approximated analytical solution of the orbit elements under low-thrust and J2 perturbation is presented based on perturbation theory. Then, the optimization control model by shooting method is established. Finally, the first order approximated result is compared to the numerical result. A transfer problem is optimized using shooting method. The accuracy and validity of this method is verified.