Interactive optimization approach for optimal impulsive rendezvous using primer vector and evolutionary algorithms

In this paper, a new optimization approach combining primer vector theory and evolutionary algorithms for fuel-optimal non-linear impulsive rendezvous is proposed. The optimization approach is designed to seek the optimal number of impulses as well as the optimal impulse vectors. In this optimization approach, adding a midcourse impulse is determined by an interactive method, i.e. observing the primer-magnitude time history. An improved version of simulated annealing is employed to optimize the rendezvous trajectory with the fixed-number of impulses. This interactive approach is evaluated by three test cases: coplanar circle-to-circle rendezvous, same-circle rendezvous and non-coplanar rendezvous. The results show that the interactive approach is effective and efficient in fuel-optimal non-linear rendezvous design. It can guarantee solutions, which satisfy the Lawden's necessary optimality conditions.