Abstract
In this chapter we develop a general theory of optimal spacecraft trajectories based on two pioneering works: Breakwell [1959] and Lawden [1963]. Lawden introduced the concept of the primer vector, which plays a dominant role in minimum-propellant trajectories and also in other types of optimal trajectories. A more complete discussion of the topics in this chapter, including several example trajectories, is in Prussing [2010].
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References
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Longuski, J.M., Guzmán, J.J., Prussing, J.E. (2014). General Theory of Optimal Rocket Trajectories. In: Optimal Control with Aerospace Applications. Space Technology Library, vol 32. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8945-0_10
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4614-8945-0_10
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