Optimal Multiple-Impulse Time-Fixed Rendezvous Using Genetic Algorithm

The rendezvous of an orbiting vehicle with a target body in another orbit can be accomplished in a specified time by two or more impulses.Aiming to solve the minimum fuel,multiple-impulse and time-fixed rendezvous problem,the genetic algorithm method is used in this paper.The genetic algorithm is a direct method for solving this constrained optimization problem that is based on natural selection, the process that drives biological evolution. The 3-impulse rendezvous and 4-impulse rendezvous,and coplanar case and noncoplanar case have been simulated.The results obtained show that,the genetic algorithm is a feasible method to solve this problem.And the results obtained can be used to perform a fixed-time, minimum fuel missions,such as space rescue operations and avoidance maneuvers.