Covariance-Based Multiple-Impulse Rendezvous Design

A novel trajectory design methodology is proposed in the current work to minimize the state uncertainty in the crucial mission of spacecraft rendezvous. The trajectory is shaped under constraints utilizing a multiple-impulse approach. State uncertainty is characterized in terms of covariance, and the impulse time as the only effective parameter in uncertainty propagation is selected to minimize the trace of the covariance matrix. Furthermore, the impulse location is also adopted as the other design parameter to satisfy various translational constraints of the space mission. Efficiency and viability of the proposed idea have been investigated through some scenarios that include constraints on final time, control effort, and maximum thruster limit addition to considering safe corridors. The obtained results show that proper selection of the impulse time and impulse position fulfills a successful feasible rendezvous mission with minimum uncertainty.