Pontryagin Minimum Principle

Author: Tianjiang Shuo

Website: https://cislunarspace.cn

Definition

A fundamental theorem of optimal control theory stating that the optimal control minimizes the Hamiltonian at every instant. For minimum-fuel problems, this yields the bang-off-bang thrust structure.

Application Value

This principle is central to optimal control theory, providing the theoretical foundation for solving minimum-fuel and minimum-time optimal control problems in orbit transfer and attitude maneuvers.

  • Variable Structure Sliding Mode Control
  • Error Function
  • Specific Impulse

References

  • Zhang et al. - 2025 - Smoothing technique for indirect low-thrust trajectory optimization in cislunar space
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Contributors: ouyangjiahong, Ou Yang Jiahong