Optimal control of space orientation of system of two bodies connected by elastic rod

The problem of optimal control of space orientation of the system of two connected solid bodies with the mass centre moving along circulation orbit in central force field is considered. It is assumed that the control is carried out by the small reactive moments and forces produced by the small traction engines. The advanages of two groups of kinematic variables – the aircraft angles and Rodrigue–Hamilton parameters – are combined. The problem of the optimal turn according to computer time control of the described system is solved with the application of numerical methods. It is shown that the problem is multiextremal. Three locally optimal control programs are obtained. The analisys of the kinematics of optimal reorientation manoeuvres is done.