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Uncertain Lambert Problem: A Probabilistic Approach

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Abstract

A complete solution to the uncertain Lambert problem is considered in this paper. While the deterministic Lambert problem considers the two point boundary value problem of the two body problem with a fixed transfer time, its uncertain counterpart is shown to be related to the propagation of uncertainty from a set of initial conditions. In contrast to the linearized solutions of the uncertain Lambert problem associated with a particular solution, our paper outlines a numerical process to characterize the non-Gaussian uncertainty associated with all solutions. Applications of solutions to the uncertain Lambert problem are detailed using representative examples.

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Acknowledgments

The work in this paper is partially supported by the National Science Foundation under Award No. NSF CMMI-1634590.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL, USA

    Nagavenkat Adurthi

  2. Texas A, M University, College Station, TX, USA

    Manoranjan Majji

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  1. Nagavenkat Adurthi
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  2. Manoranjan Majji
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Correspondence to Nagavenkat Adurthi.

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Adurthi, N., Majji, M. Uncertain Lambert Problem: A Probabilistic Approach. J Astronaut Sci 67, 361–386 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40295-019-00205-z

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