Optimal multi impulse space rendezvous considering limited impulse using a discretized Lambert problem combined with evolutionary algorithms

In this paper, a direct approach is presented to tackle the multi-impulse rendezvous problem considering the impulse limit. Particularly, the standard Lambert problem is extended toward several consequential orbit transfers for the rendezvous problem. A number of different evolutionary algorithms are taken into consideration. It is shown that the proposed approach can lead to the optimal multi-impulse transfer maneuver that has the minimum amount of fuel similar to the traditional two-impulse transfer without violating the impulse limitation. Results also indicate that the approach is efficient even when the number of stages increases due to lower impulse limitations.