GUIDANCE FOR RELATIVE MOTION OF LOW EARTH ORBIT SPACECRAFT BASED ON RELATIVE ORBIT ELEMENTS

In this paper a multiple-impulse maneuver algorithm for relative motion trajectory reconfiguration based on the Clohessy-Wiltshire-Hill’s equations is reviewed from previous work. This algorithm is further developed to allow complete generality in terms of the number and direction of the burns and their location on the trajectory. Several special cases of the algorithm are then investigated, including those that are most practical and operationally expedient. Two of the special cases are combined to affect motion both in the orbital plane of the reference satellite and out of the plane.