Path-constrained rendezvous - Necessary and sufficient conditions

Abstract

The problem of path-constrained rendezvous in the vicinity of a Large Space Structure (LSS) was first introduced some years ago. The present contribution to this field centers on a demonstration that the problem can be reduced from a path-constraint problem to one of end-point constraints or certain (common) LSS geometries, under the assumption of an unrestrictive upper limit on the transfer time. This finding has been made under the assumption of a circular Keplerian orbit, and has been normalized with respect to orbital semimajor axis and LSS size. In addition to demonstrating this important simplification of the path-constrained rendezvous problem, the results of numerical simulations of path-constrained transfers from point-to-point on large spherical structures in orbit are discussed, and a series of conclusions having both architectural (design) and operational implications for LSS designers/operators is derived.