• Journal of the Korean Society for Aeronautical & Space Sciences
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• v.35 no.7
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• pp.647-654
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• 2007

A Discrete continuation Method/homotopy approaches are studied for energy/fuel optimal low thrust Earth escape trajectory by solving a two point boundary value problem(TPBVP). Recently, maneuvers using low thrust propulsion system have been identified as emerging technologies. The low thruster is considered as the main actuator for orbit maneuvers. The cost function consists of a energy/fuel consumption function, and constraints are position and velocity vectors at the terminal escape point. Solving the minimum energy/fuel problem directly is not an easy task, so we adopt the homotopy analysis. Using a solution of the minimum energy, which is solved by discrete continuation method, we obtain the solution of the minimum fuel problem.