Order whale optimization algorithm in rendezvous orbit design

A rising meta-heuristic swarm intelligent computation algorithm, whale optimization algorithm (WOA) has been proved competitive with other intelligent optimization algorithms in solving different optimization problems. This paper has proposed a new improved algorithm, named Order Whale Optimization Algorithm (OWOA). To enhance the initial values properties, the basic concept of Latin hypercube sampling has been introduced. Then the setting method of parameters in WOA is associated with the order of fitness value. Through comparing the optimal results of 8 benchmark functions calculated by these manners, OWOA is proved effective, which is capable of accelerating the convergence rate obviously. Then the improved algorithm is used to optimize the transfer time in the Lambert problem, which is to determine the rendezvous orbit between two scheduled positions. In the end, the rendezvous orbit consumed the minimum fuels is achieved.