Selection of a Generic, Space Shuttle Rendezvous Method for the Air Force Satellite Control Facility

摘要

The Air Force Satellite Control Facility (AFSCF) anticipates requirements to support future missions in which a satellite vehicle will have to maneuver to a retrievable orbit and position, relative to the space shuttle, in order effect a rendezvous. The study asks: Which rendezvous methods would best satisfy the FSCF's generic rendezvous requirements and then evaluates six current or proposed methods relative to those requirements. The recommended method would use repeater orbits, intermediate phasing orbits if necessary, and Hohmann or near-Homann transfer orbits. It would also use standard rendezvous maneuvers, such sa those used by the space shuttle, to execute the basic profile, as well as to add accuracy and flexibility in meeting mission-specific requirements. Keywords: maneuvering satellites; Rendezvous trajectories; Transfer trajectories; Satellite Vehicle orbits.