Optimum transfer between hyperbolic asymptotes with turn angle less than the maximum natural turn angle.

Abstract

The impulsive transfer of minimum characteristic velocity between two given hyperbolic asymptotes associated with a real planet is considered. The constraint of remaining above the surface of the planet introduces a maximum natural turn angle. This divides the problem naively into two categories. The first is the case when the turn angle required by the given asymptotes is less than or equal to the maximum natural turn angle. This is the more reasonable situation for a swingby maneuver, and is the case considered in this paper. The resulting optimal transfers are of five basic types. In boundary conditions space, by far the largest area of transfers are either single impulse transfers or transfers through the parabolic level requiring two finite impulses. In no case has an optimal transfer been found which uses more than two finite impulses and three infinitesimal impulses. Complete results are presented for the case in which the given turn angle is less than or equal to the maximum natural turn angle.