K/S two-point-boundary-value problems

A method for developing the missing general K/S (Kustaanheimo/Stiefel) boundary conditions is presented, with use of the formalism of optimal control theory. As an illustrative example, the method is applied to the K/S Lambert problem to derive the missing terminal condition. The necessary equations are developed for a solution to this problem with the generalized eccentric anomaly,E, as the independent variable. This formulation, requiring the solution of only one nonlinear, well-behaved equation in one unknown,E, results in considerable simplification of the problem.Presented also at the AAS/AIAA Astrodynamics Specialist Conference, Nassau, Bahamas, July 1975 (AAS Paper No. 75-032).