A Catalogue of Parametric Time-Optimal Transfers for All-Electric GEO Satellites

Abstract

In this chapter a catalogue of time-optimal low-thrust transfers from arbitrary departure orbits to the geostationary orbit is constructed. This catalogue is obtained by solving a multitude of optimal control problems with a combination of simple and multiple shooting techniques, augmented by a multi-dimensional homotopy. Modified equinoctial elements are used to describe the satellite dynamics, and state-of-the-art values for thrust and specific impulse are considered. The ultimate outcome consists of a synthetic law for transfer time, and thus cost, as function of the orbit injection parameters and engine figures. This law can be consulted in the early stages of mission design.