Abstract: In this paper, a method of solving quadratic equations-based four-impulse optimal rendezvous between near circular orbits is investigated. Dimensionless dynamics equations for rendezvous between near circular orbits and their corresponding primer vector equations are introduced. And the method of quadratic equations-based four-impulse optimal rendezvous presented by Carter is explained. Then four concepts including original solution, reciprocal solution, dual solution and dual reciprocal solution of rendezvous between near circular orbits are given. By using these concepts the problems of solving quadratic equations-based four-impulse optimal rendezvous are analyzed, and a modifying method is given. The simulation results show that the modifying method is a good supplement for the method of quadratic equations-based four-impulse optimal rendezvous.

Key words: near circular orbit')">near circular orbit, four-impulse optimal rendezvous, ')">quadratic equations