Impulsive and Continuous Control¶
The numerical propagator supports both impulsive and continuous thrust maneuvers, enabling orbit transfer, station-keeping, and trajectory optimization studies.
Impulsive Maneuvers¶
Impulsive maneuvers model instantaneous velocity changes (\(\Delta v\)). They're implemented using event callbacks that modify the state at specific conditions.
Using Event Callbacks¶
Impulsive maneuvers combine event detection with state modification. For callback details, see Event Callbacks.
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Hohmann Transfer Visualization¶
The following plots show the altitude and velocity changes during the Hohmann transfer example above.
Orbit Geometry¶
A top-down view showing the initial circular orbit, Hohmann transfer ellipse, and final circular orbit:
Plot Source
| hohmann_transfer_orbit.py | |
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Altitude Profile¶
The spacecraft altitude increases from 400 km to 800 km through two impulsive burns:
Plot Source
| impulsive_maneuver_altitude.py | |
|---|---|
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Velocity Components¶
The velocity components show the discrete jumps from each impulsive burn:
Plot Source
| impulsive_maneuver_velocity.py | |
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Common Impulsive Maneuvers¶
| Maneuver | Implementation |
|---|---|
| Hohmann transfer | Two burns at apoapsis/periapsis |
| Plane change | Burn perpendicular to velocity at ascending/descending node |
| Orbit raising | Prograde burn at periapsis/apoapsis |
| Circularization | Burn at target altitude |
Continuous Thrust¶
Continuous thrust maneuvers apply acceleration over extended periods. They're implemented via control input functions that add acceleration at each integration step.
Control Input Functions¶
The control input function is called at each integration step and returns a state derivative contribution:
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Control Function Signature¶
The control function receives the epoch, current state, and optional parameters. It returns a state derivative vector (same dimension as state):
The returned vector is added to the equations of motion:
where \(f\) is the natural dynamics and \(\mathbf{u}\) is the control input.
Variable Thrust¶
The control function can implement time-varying or state-dependent thrust:
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Thrust Profile Visualization¶
The following plot shows the trapezoidal thrust profile with ramp-up and ramp-down phases:
Plot Source
| variable_thrust_profile.py | |
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Fuel Consumption Tracking¶
Neither maneuver type automatically tracks fuel consumption. To track propellant:
- Extend the state vector to include mass
- Add mass derivative to control input or additional dynamics
See Extending Spacecraft State for complete examples.
See Also¶
- Event Detection - Event system fundamentals
- Event Callbacks - Callback function details
- Extending Spacecraft State - Extended state vectors
- General Dynamics Propagation - Extended state vectors
- Numerical Orbit Propagator - Propagator fundamentals