Simple Δv approximation for optimization of debris-to-debris transfers

In this paper, a simple analytical method is developed to accurately approximate the transfer costs between two objects of the removal sequence. The accuracy of these estimations is verified by comparison with existing optimized solutions.Rendezvous transfers between two given orbits are dealt with using an accurate dynamic model that takes J2 perturbation into account. The state-of-the-art solution winner of the ninth Global Trajectory Optimization Competition (GTOC9) by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is used as benchmark to verify the accuracy of the method presented in this paper.