Fuel-Efficient Low-Thrust Transfer in Elliptic Orbits

Abstract

In this study, a fuel-efficient, low-thrust transfer problem is considered. The low-thrust transfer occurs continuously and its magnitude is constant through the transfer. Then, injection methods that enable spacecraft to transfer from any initial orbits to the geostationary orbit are proposed. The effectiveness of the proposed injection methods is evaluated via numerical simulations, with respect to velocity and fuel mass. Moreover, the dependence of the velocity increment on the initial argument of perigee is clarified through an analytic expression, which is useful in selecting a fuel-efficient initial orbit.