Trajectory correction maneuver design based on B-plane targeting for low-thruster

Abstract

For the interplanetary mission, the spacecraft must require the trajectory correction maneuver (TCM) to reduce the trajectory error due to the influence of unexpected external perturbation forces. There are many kinds of researches focused on these TCM techniques for the impulsive thrust. Among them, the B-plane targeting method is mainly applied to the interplanetary mission as TCM method. However, there are brilliant developments in the propulsion systems; especially the electrical propulsion system is adopted in some spacecraft. Thus, it is necessary to design the TCM algorithm for such low-thruster for future interplanetary missions. Therefore, in this paper, the TCM algorithm for the low thrust such like electrical propulsion system is suggested to correct the target B-vector and target time to closest approach (TCA). To design the low thrust guidance scheme, the Lyapunov feedback control is used in this paper.