Using Gauss pseudospectral method to optimize aeroassisted orbit transfer

The Gauss pseudospectral method was used to solve the coplanar aeroassisted orbit transfer from High Earth Orbit to Low Earth Orbit (HEO-LEO). Using above method the optimal solution was obtained by changing the optimal-fuel index to the suitable atmospherical inlet and outlet conditions and taking the shortest flight time in atmosphere as the optimal index. Compared with Hohmann orbit transfer, the aeroassisted orbit transfer reduces fuel consumption obviously. Meanwhile, it is proved that the Gauss pseudospectral method is effective to solve the optimal orbit transfer problem.