Orbit optimization of supplying satellite of non-coplanar constellation based on formation flight mode

The tentative plan of refueling satellites based on formation flying breaks through the traditional only refueling method based on rendezvous and docking, and provides a new thinking for the future on-orbit refueling. To solve the problem of the plan of refueling non-coplanar based on formation flying, this work gives priority to finding a energy optimized transfer orbit between the parking orbit and the working orbit. Secondly, based on the analysis of the necessary velocity increment in the supplier’s maneuver, we consider that the optimal refuel order can be determined by solving TSP. Then, taking account of that the consumption function has multi-parameter and single target and combining the ideal rocket dynamics equation, the further optimal solution of the supplier’s orbit is given in terms of the constrained genetic algorithm. At last, the feasibility and effectiveness are verified by numerical simulation.