Classification and Feasibility Assessment of Infinitely Many Iso-Impulse Three-Dimensional Trajectories

Abstract

In two-body dynamics, it is proven that for a sufficiently long flight time, generating infinitely many iso-impulse solutions is possible by solving a number of $\Delta v$-allocation problems analytically. A distinct feature of these solutions is the existence of two impulse anchor positions (APs) that correspond to the locations of the impulses on time-free, phase-free, base solutions. In this paper, the existence and utility of three-impulse base solutions are investigated and their complete solution spaces are characterized and analyzed. Since two- and three-impulse base solutions exist, a question arises: How many APs should base solutions have? A strategy is developed for choosing base solutions, which offers a certificate for $\Delta v$ optimality of general three-dimensional time-fixed rendezvous solutions. Simultaneous allocation of $\Delta v$ at two and three APs is formulated, which allows for generating $\Delta v$-optimal solutions while satisfying a constraint on individual impulses such that $\Delta v \leq \Delta v_\text{max}$. All iso-impulse solutions are classified in four layers: 1) base solutions, 2) feasible solution spaces, 3) solution families, and 4) solution envelopes. The method enables us to characterize the complete solution space of minimum-$\Delta v$, iso-impulse, three-dimensional trajectories under the nonlinear two-body dynamics. To illustrate the utility of the method, interplanetary and geocentric problems are considered.