PRD-MADDPG: An efficient learning-based algorithm for orbital pursuit-evasion game with impulsive maneuvers

•A multi-constraint model for impulsive orbital pursuit-evasion game (OPEG) is constructed.•A learning-based algorithm (i.e. PRD-MADDPG) for impulsive OPEG is designed.•The Predict-Reward-Detect (PRD) training framework for improving MADDPG is established.•The PRD-MADDPG performs better than conventional MADDPG in impulsive OPEGs.•The winning mechanism of the game for both players under multiple factors is analyzed.