An Approach to Optimization of Terminal Rendezvous

The optimal solution is presented to a cooperative game which is described by a common quadratic cost functional subject to linear ordinary differential equation constraints. The optimal feedback controller is constructed for both players when all components of the state vector can be measured. For the case that only some components of the state vector are available, the optimal feedback controller is designed using a dynamic observer. As a specific application, the approach is used in determining the optimal feedback controllers for two satellites which are performing a rendezvous on a circular orbit. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the applicability of the approach.