Spacecraft Dynamics and Control
Open access
Peer reviewed
Abstract
Abstract
Abstract In-space assembly and servicing missions demand precise trajectory planning to prevent thruster plume impingement on sensitive components of the client spacecraft. In this paper we present a novel mathematical formulation for incorporating multiple ellipsoidal thruster-pointing constraints into the six-degree-of-freedom fuel-optimal rendezvous problem, using a target-relative Circular Restricted Three-Body Problem dynamical model. By analytically mapping thruster ray intersections with ellipsoidal exclusion zones onto a sphere, the method enables the construction of smooth activation functions that deactivate thrusters when violations would occur. This formulation is integrated into an indirect optimal control framework solved via single shooting, offering efficient convergence and satisfaction of the necessary conditions for optimality. The approach is validated through three simulation scenarios, including a servicing mission at the Sun–Earth L2 point, all demonstrating adherence to pointing constraints while achieving fuel-optimal trajectories. The method is flexible and scalable, making it well-suited to complex spacecraft geometries.
Direct answer
What can I do from this paper page?
Use this page to scan "Ellipsoidal Thruster Pointing Constrained Optimal Trajectories for Satellite Servicing at SEL2" quickly: start with the summary and abstract, then check the authors, source, topics, and related papers. From here, open Scollr to follow Spacecraft Dynamics and Control research, save the paper, or map adjacent work.
Research areas
Follow related topics
Citation
BibTeX
@article{Hubert2026Ellipsoidal,
title = {Ellipsoidal Thruster Pointing Constrained Optimal Trajectories for Satellite Servicing at SEL2},
author = {Marin Hubert and Himmat Panag and Robyn Woollands},
journal = {The Journal of the Astronautical Sciences},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1007/s40295-026-00603-0},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s40295-026-00603-0}
}FAQ
Using this paper in a discovery workflow
How do I find related work for this paper?
Use the related papers and topic links on this page as starting points. In Scollr, you can also open the paper and build a literature map around its references, citing papers, and related work.
How can I keep up with new Spacecraft Dynamics and Control research papers?
Follow Spacecraft Dynamics and Control research in Scollr. New papers from the topic flow into a personalized feed, and you can save useful studies to revisit later.
Can I cite this paper from this page?
This page includes a static BibTeX block for Ellipsoidal Thruster Pointing Constrained Optimal Trajectories for Satellite Servicing at SEL2. Always verify the DOI, source, and publication details against the publisher record before submitting a manuscript.
Follow this research in Scollr
Follow the topics and authors behind this paper, save useful studies, and build a literature map when you are ready to go deeper.
Get the app