Abstract:

Based on Unscented Kalman Filter(UKF) parameter estimation, an algorithm for efficient low thrust orbit transfer optimization with high accuracy is developed in this paper. Minimum fuel orbit transfer problem is mainly discussed. First, the problem is formulated as a two point boundary value problem by using the maximum principle. By setting the initial values of the costates as parameters to be estimated and the boundary values as desired observations, this problem is transformed into a parameter estimation problem, and then is solved by using unscented Kalman filter. The convergence of this algorithm is based on the theory of probability, so the derivation of the gradient matrixes required by traditional indirect methods is avoided. Moreover, the difficulty of guessing the initial values of the costates is overcome. Due to the similarity in problem construction, minimum time orbit transfer problem can also be solved by using this algorithm. Numerical simulations demonstrate that the algorithm is simple, efficient, accurate and robust.

Key words: Low thrust；Tow point boundary value problem；Trajectory optimization；Unscented Kalman filter, Parameter estimation