Fuel optimal multi-impulse orbit rendezvous between neighboring orbits: A numerical approach

The linearized orbit dynamics and a direct, numerical minimization technique were used to solve the rendezvous problems between neighboring orbits. The possible existence of N-1 optimal solution could be guessed from the N-impulse minimum solution, and optimality of the solution was post-analyzed by showing that the solution satisfies the necessary conditions which are based on Lawden's Primer vector theory. Some of the previously-solved problems are revisited to verify the correctness and simplicity of the current approach and its future applicability are suggested.