Optimal flights with close circular orbits when accounting for the shadow

Abstract

The problem of an optimal transfer of a space vehicle with the maximal
payload between nearby nonconplanar circular orbits in the spherical gravi-
tation field is solved. The space vehicle is equipped with a constant power
solar electric propulsion and an energy storage. The payload increase due to
the energy storage is evaluated. It is shown that the storage usage increases
the effectiveness when the shadow phases of the trajectory exist.