Orbital transfer strategy using only-accelerating maneuvers

Two types of new orbital transfer strategies that use only-accelerating maneuvers are proposed for a simple spacecraft with only one engine. Based on the requirement of only-accelerating maneuvers, the constraints on the orbital parameters in the entire transfer process are derived from Gauss variational equations. The explanation of these constraints from the geometric viewpoint makes it easy to determine an initial maneuver sequence without time-consuming computation. Only-accelerating maneuvers for an orbital transfer mission can also be implemented by two different approaches: impulsive maneuvers and finite-thrust propulsive maneuvers. The algorithm to determine both maneuvers are summarized in three steps. Impulsive maneuvers can accomplish a transfer mission in an orbital period, whereas finite-thrust propulsive maneuvers require several orbital periods, but a smaller thrust. Finally, numerical simulations are conducted for their application to specific transfer missions.