Thrust Direction Cosines

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

The three projection components of the thrust unit vector onto the coordinate axes, denoted ar, at, and ah. Their squares always sum to unity. They are used in continuous-thrust trajectory optimization to specify the thrust vector direction, avoiding the singularities that can arise with pitch and yaw angle combinations.

Application Value

This concept is relevant to analysis and design in cislunar space applications.

  • Minimum Norm Solution
  • Rigid Body Dynamics
  • Variable-Size Design Space, VSDS
  • Analytical Gradient

References

  • Kluever 1997 Optimal Earth-Moon Trajectories Using Combined Chemical-Electric Propulsion
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong