Aerocapture is the maneuver by an interplanetary spacecraft to fly through the atmosphere
of a planet with the aim of attaining a specified orbit around the planet. By appropriately …

Aeroassisted orbital transfer (AOT) combines space maneuvers and atmospheric
maneuvers so as to achieve propellant savings vis-à-vis purely propulsive maneuvers, albeit …

This paper focuses on the application of model predictive control (MPC) for the spacecraft
trajectory tracking problems. The motivation of the use of MPC, also known as receding …

In this dissertation, a direct hp-pseudospectral method for approximating the solution to
nonlinear optimal control problems is proposed. The hp-pseudospectral method utilizes a …

THE use of small spacecraft has been recognized in recent years as a concept that can
greatly increase the operational responsiveness of space [1, 2]. In particular, small …

A direct transcription method is applied to the problem of multiple‐pass aeroassisted orbital
transfer from geostationary orbit to low Earth orbit with a large inclination change. The …

Gravity assist of a planet can be enhanced by an alternate technique called aero-gravity
assist (AGA). The latter uses atmospheric maneuvering around the planet to increase the …

Aerocapture offers an essentially propellantless approach to slow and capture a spacecraft
into a Martian orbit. This paper describes the working principles of an optimal predictor …

VEHICLES such as the Orbital Space Plane (OSP) have been recognized in recent years as
concepts that greatly increase operational responsiveness in space [1]. In particular, an OSP …

Aeroassisted orbital maneuver can potentially reduce fuel consumption, compared with the
traditional impulse maneuver. However, studies on aeroassisted orbital rendezvous and …