Optimal orbital transfer using a legendre pseudospectral method

Orbital transfer problems are solved successfully for several classes of transfers, including coplanar transfer, simple plane change, and complex orbital size/shape/plane changes. Both impulsive and finite-burn orbital transfers are constructed which minimize fuel costs. Using the direct Legendre Pseudospectral technique software package (DIDO) developed by Ross and Fahroo of the Naval Postgraduate School, the effects of complex perturbations (like J(2)) are naturally included in the optimal solution. Written in Matlab, the DIDO package allows the user to incorporate complex cost functions, bounds, and constraints on the optimal transfer trajectory through a standardized interface.